GlaxoSmithKline commences new trial of malaria vaccine

GlaxoSmithKline has commenced a new clinical trial of its potentially groundbreaking developmental malaria vaccine.

In association with the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative and the University College of Medicine, Malawi, a team from Liverpool is conducting a trial in Blantyre to investigate how to maximise the drug's effectiveness.

The treatment, RTS,S, is the world's most clinically advanced malaria vaccine and is currently in phase III testing, with previous trial having shown its potential to reduce episodes of malaria in infants and young children.

GlaxoSmithKline's latest study will examine the drug's performance when administered to children at different ages, allowing strategies for national treatment programmes to be developed.

Dr Desiree Witte, from the Malawian university's institute of infection and global health, said: "Young children are particularly susceptible to infection with malaria and it is important that vaccines are introduced into the immunisation programme as early as possible."

Earlier this month, the company agreed new partnerships with several non-governmental organisations in order to help deliver healthcare infrastructure investments to underprivileged nations.