Frequently asked questions about MVI

What is the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative?

The PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI) is a global program established at PATH through an initial grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. MVI’s mission is to accelerate the development of malaria vaccines and catalyze timely access in endemic countries. MVI’s vision is a world free from malaria.

What is PATH?

PATH is an international nonprofit organization that transforms global health through innovation. PATH takes an entrepreneurial approach to developing and delivering high-impact, low-cost solutions, from lifesaving vaccines and devices to collaborative programs with communities. Through its work in more than 70 countries, PATH and its partners empower people to achieve their full potential. For more information, please visit www.path.org.

Why was MVI created?

MVI was created on the premise that, while promising vaccine candidates existed, they required assistance to get out of the laboratory and on a path toward clinical trials. Scientists had long demonstrated that immunizing against malaria was theoretically possible. However, efforts in this direction were hampered by financial hurdles and the technical complexities of developing any vaccine against malaria.

What does MVI hope to achieve?

Working with partners in private industry, government, and academia, MVI aspires to develop first-generation and next-generation malaria vaccines.

What does MVI do?

MVI identifies promising malaria vaccine candidates and approaches and systematically moves them through the development process. At the same time, we work to catalyze access to a successful malaria vaccine in the countries that need it most. 

How will MVI meet its long-term goal of developing a malaria vaccine?

To ensure the development of highly efficacious malaria vaccines, MVI will:

  • Maintain a vaccine project portfolio with a diversity of preclinical, translational (early clinical), and at least one advanced clinical project.
  • Complete RTS,S Phase 3 development activities.
  • Ensure all supported clinical evaluations are consistent with international standards.
  • Lead the development and maintenance of evaluation tools to comparatively assess candidate vaccines and better inform development decisions.
  • Consider practical aspects of vaccine supply, approval, and use during advanced clinical development.

To catalyze timely access of a successful malaria vaccine in endemic countries, MVI will:

  • Lay the foundation for a competitive market environment for malaria vaccines.
  • Partner with developing country manufacturers to reduce costs.
  • Ensure financing of effective vaccines.
  • Catalyze processes and policies to minimize time between availability and use.

To engage malaria-endemic countries and promote ownership and leadership in use of the vaccines at levels similar to coverage of other childhood immunizations, MVI will:

  • Support efforts to develop regulatory capacity in malaria-endemic countries.
  • Develop a foundation for informed country-level decision-making regarding malaria vaccine introduction.
  • Engage communities to prepare for malaria vaccine introduction.