Malaria

Dr Simon Draper tells us about his progress in malaria vaccine research. The malaria parasite is a 'master of disguise'. Whilst the development of a vaccine has proved difficult, targeting a pathway for the parasite has led to the neutralisation of all strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Dr Simon Draper's research interests include studies of vaccine-induced malaria immunity and trials of vaccine candidates. Focusing on translational medicine, his group will take their most promising vaccine candidates and manufacture them as clinical grade material; the next step is proof of concept clinical trials in healthy volunteers.