Report of an expert consultation on the clinical development plan for a multistage malaria vaccine targeting the circumsporozoite (CS) and blood stage (BS) antigens

The development of multistage vaccines targeting the pre-erythrocytic and asexual blood stages of the parasite’s lifecycle is a promising approach for next-generation malaria vaccines. While circumsporozoite protein (CS or CSP) and blood stage (BS) vaccine approaches are generally being advanced independently, the potential for additive and/or synergistic efficacy when CS and BS vaccine candidates are combined is both compelling and firmly aligned with the IMV goal. For this reason, USAID and PATH convened a panel of experts in malaria, vaccine development, regulatory affairs, and the conduct of clinical trials in Africa, Europe, and the United States to consider and inform the development of a comprehensive clinical development plan for a multistage (CS+BS) malaria vaccine.