Eyam Health and Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) have announced a strategic research partnership to develop next-generation monoclonal antibody-based approaches for affordable, long-acting malaria therapies. The collaboration aims to deliver a malaria prevention shot for less than $1 per dose, potentially transforming global malaria prevention efforts.
Revolutionary Technology Platform
The partnership will harness Eyam's groundbreaking technologies to transform how monoclonal antibodies are developed and delivered. The Jennerator platform uses advanced AI to rapidly design next-generation biologics, while the Gemini system enables those therapies to be delivered with unmatched durability, without cold storage, and at a fraction of the traditional cost.
The Gemini platform's unique capability allows it to carry multiple antibodies at once in a single dose, making it possible to target multiple stages of the parasite's lifecycle. This multi-target approach could significantly enhance treatment efficacy compared to single-agent therapies.
Addressing Global Health Challenges
A single long-acting injection could protect over 50 million young children and pregnant women for the entire rainy season, typically lasting 4-5 months during peak malaria transmission. This approach would significantly simplify seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC), improve compliance and support further expansion, complementing the current suite of prevention tools including bed nets, vaccines and vector control.
The collaboration addresses a critical gap in malaria prevention. While monoclonal antibodies have been considered a potential alternative technology for antimalarials thanks to their favorable potency, durability of response and safety profile, they have had limited exposure in global public health due to their high cost of production.
Cost-Effective Manufacturing Innovation
Eyam Health's proprietary Gemini technology dispenses with the need for expensive lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Together with the extended dosage interval, this makes it an attractive technology to evaluate in resource-limited settings. The nucleic acid-based technology will be readily adapted for local African manufacturing, supporting pandemic preparedness efforts.
Strategic Impact on Drug Resistance
This partnership could be a game changer in accelerating MMV's strategic ambitions to build the next generation of life-saving antimalarials in the face of increasing drug resistance. The innovative approach represents a significant advancement in addressing one of the world's most persistent public health challenges.
Both organizations emphasize their commitment to advancing healthcare solutions that are both effective and economically viable, underscoring their dedication to addressing global health challenges with innovative technology and improving the lives of those affected by malaria and beyond.
