PfSPZ Challenge

PfSPZ Challenge is a standardized, aseptic, purified, and cryopreserved preparation of live, infectious *Plasmodium falciparum* sporozoites developed by Sanaria Inc. It is primarily utilized as a tool for Controlled Human Malaria Infection (CHMI) to evaluate the efficacy of malaria vaccines and antimalarial drugs in clinical trials. By administering a precise dose of sporozoites (typically the NF54 or 7G8 strains) via direct venous inoculation or intradermal injection, researchers can reliably induce malaria infection in healthy volunteers under controlled conditions. Beyond its use as a challenge agent, PfSPZ Challenge is a core component of the PfSPZ-CVac (Chemoprophylaxis Vaccine) approach, in which live sporozoites are administered to subjects under antimalarial chemoprophylaxis (such as chloroquine, pyrimethamine, or atovaquone/proguanil) to induce protective immunity against malaria without causing clinical disease.

Brand names

Sanaria PfSPZ Challenge

Other names

Plasmodium falciparum sporozoitesPfSPZcryopreserved Plasmodium falciparum sporozoitesSanaria PfSPZ-CVac