Integrating vaccines and monoclonal antibodies into malaria prevention

This article reviews progress on vaccines and antibodies to prevent malaria by two malaria experts. Two malaria vaccines are now in use, and lab-made antibodies that target the malaria parasite are showing promise. But experts say multiple approaches will be needed to eliminate malaria from different areas. The vaccines and antibodies aim to prepare the body's defenses against the parasite. However, no single "magic bullet" is likely to work everywhere, given the complexity of malaria spread and immunity. The lead antibody candidate MAM101 was engineered to be suitable for large-scale production, delivery to patients, and use in children. But major studies are still needed to confirm whether antibodies reduce illness in real-world settings. While antibodies may temporarily protect people in seasonal outbreaks, vaccines could provide longer-lasting immunity. Ultimately, pairing these new biological tools with current measures like bed nets and diagnostics tests is key. The goal is integrated solutions tailored to different malaria patterns. But the pipeline of preventive vaccines and antibodies marks encouraging headway. More innovation plus proven approaches will help make malaria a disease of the past