Malaria vaccine developer wins technology award

A company working to develop a malaria vaccine has been named Emerging Company of the Year at the annual Technology Council of Maryland's Awards celebration.

Sanaria's primary mission is to develop and commercialise a malaria vaccine against plasmodiuom falciparum, which is the parasite responsible for more than 95 per cent of malaria-associated illness and death worldwide.

The PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI) is partnering Sanaria in the development of the vaccine and has welcomed the news of the award. It spoke of its delight at the recognition of its partner's efforts to develop the vaccine.

Stephen Hoffman, chief executive of Sanaria, said that he was honoured to accept the award on behalf of the company and all its partners.

"All the members of the Sanaria team go to work every day with only one goal in mind, to develop a vaccine that will prevent millions of deaths from malaria," added Mr Hoffman.

There are currently more than 40 malaria vaccines being developed across the globe and 16 of these are in clinical trials, according to the MVI.