Science & Tech 30 Apr 2026

University of Oxford and Serum Institute of India License Next-Generation Malaria Vaccine R78C

The University of Oxford has licensed its next-generation malaria vaccine component R78C to the Serum Institute of India for large-scale manufacturing. R78C targets multiple stages of the malaria parasite.

upsc ssc banking

A next-generation malaria vaccine component named R78C has been developed by researchers at the University of Oxford and licensed to the Serum Institute of India for large-scale manufacturing and global supply. The Serum Institute of India is the world’s largest vaccine maker by number of doses.

R78C is designed to give stronger protection by targeting more than one stage of the malaria parasite’s life cycle. It uses specific antigens — substances that trigger the body’s immune response — to improve both the strength and the durability of protection against the disease.

The collaboration builds on earlier work in malaria vaccine development and combines it with advanced production methods. Manufacturing the vaccine in India is expected to help supply it on a large scale, especially to regions where malaria is still common and dangerous.

For exam aspirants, the key points are the name of the vaccine component (R78C), the two organisations involved (University of Oxford and Serum Institute of India), and the fact that India plays a central role in producing vaccines for the world.

Key Points to Remember

  • R78C is a next-generation malaria vaccine component
  • Developed by the University of Oxford
  • Licensed to the Serum Institute of India for manufacturing
  • Targets multiple stages of the malaria parasite's life cycle
  • India is the world’s largest vaccine producer

Exam Relevance

Relevant for UPSC Prelims (Science & Tech, Health) and SSC/Banking (General Awareness).

UPSC SSC BANKING
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