PvRII + Matrix-M

PvRII + Matrix-M is a recombinant protein-based vaccine candidate designed to prevent malaria caused by *Plasmodium vivax*. The vaccine component, PvRII (Region II of the Duffy Binding Protein), is a critical ligand used by the *P. vivax* parasite to bind to the Duffy Antigen Receptor for Chemokines (DARC) on the surface of human reticulocytes, a necessary step for blood-stage invasion. By inducing high titers of neutralizing antibodies against this region, the vaccine aims to block parasite entry into red blood cells. The formulation includes Novavax's proprietary Matrix-M adjuvant, a saponin-based technology that enhances the magnitude and duration of the immune response by stimulating both the entry of antigen-presenting cells into the injection site and the activation of T cells and B cells. It has been primarily developed through collaborations involving the University of Oxford and is undergoing clinical evaluation in both non-endemic and endemic regions.

Other names

PvDBPII + Matrix-MPlasmodium vivax Duffy Binding Protein Region II vaccinePvRII malaria vaccine