RTS,S

RTS,S (also known as RTS,S/AS01 and marketed as Mosquirix) is a recombinant protein-based malaria vaccine designed to prevent malaria caused by *Plasmodium falciparum*, the deadliest malaria parasite globally and the most prevalent in Africa. The vaccine consists of a fusion protein combining parts of the *P. falciparum* circumsporozoite protein with hepatitis B surface antigen, formulated with the AS01 adjuvant to enhance immune response. It works by inducing high antibody titers that block the parasite from infecting liver cells after mosquito transmission[1][2]. Developed over three decades, it is administered in four doses starting at around 5 months of age for children living in areas with moderate-to-high malaria transmission[2][3]. Clinical trials and pilot programs have shown that RTS,S reduces severe malaria hospitalizations by about 22% and all-cause mortality among vaccinated children by approximately 13%[4]. It was first recommended for use by WHO in October 2021 and has since been introduced into routine immunization programs across several African countries.

Brand names

Mosquirix

Other names

rts,s/as01emosquirix