• Expands the collaboration to manufacture two malaria vaccine candidates (R78C and RH5.1) for Phase 1/2 clinical trials.
• Delivers the sixth malaria vaccine candidate for the University of Oxford.
• Provides drug substance, drug product and large-scale fill and finish expertise through ReciBioPharm, Recipharm’s Advanced Biologics division.
• Contributes to global malaria control and elimination efforts, addressing a disease that caused 608,000 deaths in 2022, 76% of which were among children under five in Africa (WHO).

The University of Oxford and ReciBioPharm, Recipharm’s Advanced Biologics division and a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO), are expanding their long-standing collaboration with the development of two blood-stage malaria vaccine candidates for Phase 1/2 clinical trials. Since 2016, this collaboration has delivered five vaccine candidates and will now actively progress the manufacture of R78C and RH5.1 for the University’s Draper Lab, based at the Department of Paediatrics.

ReciBioPharm initially produced both the drug substance and drug product for R78C and is now handling large scale fill and finish activities to meet increased vial demand for ongoing trials. Additionally, RH5.1, previously manufactured by another CDMO, is now being fully produced by ReciBiopharm, including drug substance, drug product and large-scale fill and finish.

“This collaboration with ReciBioPharm has been instrumental in accelerating the development of our malaria vaccine portfolio,” said Simon Draper, Professor of Vaccinology and Translational Medicine at the University of Oxford, and Group Leader of the Draper Lab. “With numerous malaria vaccine candidates now developed or in active development, this partnership plays a critical role in advancing innovative solutions aimed at reducing the global burden of malaria, and supports our shared mission to eradicate malaria altogether.”

Greg Behar, CEO of Recipharm, said: “We’re proud to deepen our collaboration with the University of Oxford on such a critical global health challenge. Our ability to deliver drug substance and drug product for larger scales under GMP conditions makes us a strong partner for accelerating vaccine candidates from lab to clinic. Together, we’re advancing science with the potential to save millions of lives.”

Globally, malaria continues to pose a significant health threat. According to the World Health Organisation’s World Malaria Report 2023, there was an estimated 249 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2022, resulting in 608,000 deaths. Notably, children under 5 accounted for 76% of all malaria deaths in the WHO African Region. Despite progress, effective vaccines are essential to turning the tide against this disease.

Together, the University of Oxford and ReciBioPharm are building on a shared commitment to innovation, scientific excellence, and global health impact, with the aim of achieving the ultimate goal: malaria elimination.

References
[1] World Health Organization. World Malaria Report 2023. Geneva: WHO; 2023. Available from: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240078441