ExpectedOutcome:
This topic aims at supporting activities that are contributing to one or several of the expected impacts for this call. Proposals submitted under this topic should aim at delivering results that contribute to at least two of the following expected outcomes:
- Generating evidence required for accelerating registration of new vaccine candidates;
- Generating long-term safety and efficacy data on currently registered vaccines;
- Safety and efficacy results from other vaccines, especially those targeting all stages of plasmodium falciparum lifecycle, including promising candidates in phase 2a/b;
- Generating evidence-based recommendations on how to boost manufacturing capacity and build an efficient supply chain for vaccines in general, and malaria vaccines in particular sub-Saharan Africa.
Scope:
Background:
Currently, two vaccines are recommended for malaria prevention, RTS’S and R21/Matrix-M. At the same time, more candidates are in the pipeline undergoing safety and/or efficacy trials. To maximise the impact of currently recommended malaria vaccines in the context of the global technical strategy for malaria 2016-2030, it is important for the Global Health EDCTP3 JU to capitalise on the 1) recommendation of RTS’S as the first malaria vaccine recommended for large scale, 2) latest WHO recommendation of R21/Matrix-M for malaria prevention in updated advice on immunization.
As a longstanding public health crisis, malaria requires a multidimensional approach, including more and better vaccine strategies. Therefore, further R&D on other promising candidates in the pipeline is required, and further research on cross-cutting issues is necessary, to ensure both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical prevention strategies are part of future evidence-based malaria prevention and control measures. Cross-cutting issues may include social sciences and community engagement activities as part of vaccines studies in malaria endemic regions. Synergy between researchers and other relevant stakeholders is required to develop and strengthen vaccines manufacturing capacity and to build an efficient supply chain in sub-Saharan Africa.
Scope:
Proposals submitted under this topic are expected to advance knowledge on the safety, efficacy and effectiveness of currently recommended malaria vaccines or new malaria vaccines. To this end, proposals submitted under this call topic should address at least two of the following:
- Trials from Phase 2a should be considered, to ensure continuation of R&D on new generations of vaccines targeting all stages of plasmodium falciparum lifecycle;
- Long term effectiveness studies through aligned primary endpoints should be considered where possible;
- Collection, analysis and sharing of pharmacovigilance data on vaccines that are currently registered or candidates in late-stage efficacy trials.
Where possible, collaboration and coordination with the Team Europe Initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, medicines and health products (TEI-MAV+) is encouraged. The proposers could show, for example, willingness to enter into technology transfer agreements with African counterparts - including the provision of patents, technical knowledge and know-how -, or early engagement with regulators or with African manufacturers to support the translation into affordable products adapted to the regional market.
Applicants are reminded of the expectation that proposals should come from research consortia with a strong representation of institutions and researchers from sub-Saharan African countries, including involvement of Franco/Lusophone countries if possible. Applicants are also reminded of the expectation of reaching out to organisations in countries with relatively lower research capacities.
Expected Impact:
Activities funded under the 2024 work programme of the Global Health EDCTP3 JU calls for proposals should contribute to:
- reduce the individual, social, and economic burdens of infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa through the development and uptake of new or improved interventions, and
- increase health security in sub-Saharan Africa and globally by reducing the risk of outbreaks and pandemics and enhancing national and regional capacity to address antimicrobial resistance.
- Progressing towards the achievement of SDG3 ‘Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages’ in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries;
- Enable the implementation of the short- and medium-term actions foreseen by the AU EU Innovation Agenda (adopted in July 2023) in the area of public health and the EU Global Health Strategy (November 2022);
- Improve equitable access to a full range of essential health services from health promotion to disease prevention and affordable quality treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care to fight communicable diseases;
- Expand partnerships based on equal footing, co-ownership, mutual interest and strategic priorities;
- Provide evidence for informed health policies and guidelines within public health systems in SSA and at international level;
- Enhance sustainable global scientific collaboration in health research and international cooperation across SSA;
- Develop novel, innovative HIV therapeutics for reducing the disease burden of HIV in SSA
- Research on existing Malaria vaccines and development of new promising candidates
- Accelerating development and integration of therapeutics against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in SSA;
- Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) through R&D in novel and existing antimicrobials
- Develop new tools, technologies and approaches for vector control in SSA;
- Develop innovative digital health solutions for SSA.
- Build appropriate local capacity.
