Protection against Malaria by MSP3 Candidate Vaccine

Abstract

Malaria is a leading cause of illness and death in the developing world. Thus, the need for an effective vaccine is great. In this phase 1 trial in Burkina Faso, a merozoite surface protein–based vaccine showed some evidence of protection against clinical malaria. TO THE EDITOR: In 2007, we conducted a double-blind, randomized, phase 1b clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00452088) using the merozoite surface protein 3 (MSP3) vaccine in a malaria-endemic area. A total of 45 children who were 12 to 24 months of age were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive three doses (on days 0, 28, and 56) of MSP3 at a dose of 15 μg, MSP3 at a dose of 30 μg, or hepatitis B vaccine at a dose of 10 μg. Details of ethical approval (which included approval by the national ethics committee of Burkina Faso and . . .