The malaria vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, in its Phase 2b trial, showed 70–80% efficiency against the disease after the administration of a booster dose, according to a study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal.

From Burkina Faso, 450 individuals between the ages of five and 17 months were recruited; 409 of them received the booster. The participants were divided into three groups at random; the first two groups received a booster dose of the R21/Matrix-M vaccine, while the third group received the rabies vaccine as a control. Each child received the same initial series of vaccines and booster shots.

The study results from a 12-month follow-up period demonstrated that vaccine efficacy was 80% in the group receiving a greater dosage of adjuvant and 70% in the group receiving a lower dose. Within 28 days of the booster doses being given, antibody levels returned to their pre-primary immunization levels.

The trial has been prolonged for an additional two years to determine whether more booster doses will be required to maintain high efficacy over time. A phase III licensure trial including 4,800 kids between the ages of five and 36 months in four African nations is currently taking place and the results are anticipated later this year. (The Financial Expess, September 8, 2022)