Meeting report: Expert consultation on late arresting replication competent (LARC) malaria sporozoite vaccine research & development

Abstract

In June 2024, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) convened an expert consultation to guide strategic priorities for the research and development of next-generation whole Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite vaccine candidates. The focus was on genetically attenuated, late (liver stage) arresting replication competent (LARC) sporozoite vaccines. The meeting reviewed the World Health Organization (WHO) Preferred Product Characteristics (PPCs) for future malaria vaccines and drew lessons from previous malaria vaccine R&D and implementation efforts. Key discussions centered on critical features related to the Target Product Profiles (TPP) of LARC vaccines for various specified indications and relevant development strategies. The consultation identified knowledge gaps and suggested priorities and opportunities for future research and product development for LARC malaria sporozoite vaccines.