MalarVx, Inc., a clinical-stage vaccine company, has announced a license to HDT Bio's proprietary self-amplifying replicon RNA (repRNA) and lipid nanoparticle (LION) technologies for use in malaria vaccines. In addition to HDT Bio's technologies, the agreement provides MalarVx additional support from HDT to develop and commercialise malaria vaccines.

Malaria was responsible for 597,000 deaths and 263 million cases in 2023, according to the World Health Organization. Despite the expenditure of USD 4 billion per year on control, malaria deaths and cases have not substantively changed over the last decade. Consequently, a safe, effective, long-lasting, easy-to-use, and cost-effective vaccine to prevent malaria is desperately needed, the company asserted in a statement.

HDT Bio Corp. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specialising in advanced RNA vaccine technologies, including the company's proprietary LION nanoparticle delivery system. LION is well-suited for use in vaccines to prevent viral and bacterial infections. “We are excited to contribute our expertise in RNA vaccine technologies in an effort to develop malaria vaccines with MalarVx,” said Steve Reed, CEO of HDT Bio. He further added, “Our LION platform has a demonstrated ability to rapidly generate potent, durable immune responses with a favourable safety profile.”

Curt Malloy, HDT SVP Strategic Operations remarked, “This collaboration is an example of our aspiration to enable a new generation of global health technologies. We are dedicated to applying our technology to address critical global health challenges. From combating infectious diseases like malaria to pioneering breakthroughs in cancer prevention and treatment, we remain committed to catalysing innovations that address unmet global health needs.”

MalarVx has also demonstrated the potential of LION-based vaccines to prevent infections caused by Plasmodium parasites, the pathogens responsible for malaria in humans and other animals. “We believe the attributes of LION-based vaccines, including increased potency, product stability, and simplified manufacturing, are essential for vaccines designed for use in resource limited environments,” said James Davie, MalarVx CEO.

He further added, “Of particular interest is the potential for a multi-species vaccine capable of preventing Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections, since these pathogens are responsible for most cases of malaria in humans.”

 Dr. Marion Avril, MalarVx Program Director, added, “We recognise the transformative potential of our vaccines to combat one of humanity's most devastating diseases. Our collaboration with HDT Bio is a significant step towards achieving a world free from malaria. Together, we are committed to advancing innovative solutions that will save lives and improve health outcomes for millions of people globally.”