Malaria vaccine candidate offers up to one year of protection, could save countless lives

Each year, malaria kills around half a million people, most of whom are children under 5. Unfortunately there is no cure for the devastating disease, but according to a recent study, we may be close to the next best thing: a vaccine. The report claims that one experimental vaccine called PfSPZ can offer up to a year of protection from malaria infections, representing a major step forward in vaccine development. The Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) sporozoite (SPZ) vaccine, better known as PfSPZ was developed by Biotech company Sanaria Inc. It represents what may be the most promising and longest-lasting protection from the malaria virus to date, Time reported. During trials, the vaccine was given to 101 malaria-free healthy adults aged 18 to 45. Of this group, 59 received the vaccine from three or four IV immunization drips or four shots. Thirty-two participants served as controls and were not vaccinated. Three weeks later, all...