What is RTS-S in News?

● RTS-S is a vaccine against malaria that has been in development for more than 30 years. 

● It is being developed by Walter Reed Institute of Research and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation with the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative. 

● The vaccine is designed to stop the Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite from entering the liver and preventing the subsequent deadly blood stages. 

● Till date, it is the only vaccine to reduce malaria in children.However, it doesn’t have high efficacy. 

 

What is R21/Matrix M? 

● R21/Matrix M is a modified version of RTS-S.It has been developed by scientists at University of Oxford.Serum Institute of India is manufacturing it. 

● The vaccine trial began in 2014-15.The result of the trial has shown a 77% efficacy making it the first vaccine to reach WHO’s goal of at least 75% efficacy.