The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from eligible organizations, companies, and manufacturers to facilitate the transfer of technology for the commercialization of AdFalciVax—a recombinant chimeric multi-stage malaria vaccine targeting Plasmodium falciparum. Developed by ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Bhubaneswar, with preclinical validation by ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research and NII Delhi, this vaccine candidate aims to prevent human infection and reduce community-level transmission. The EoI was published on July 17, 2025, and the submission deadline is August 17, 2025, via the Medical Innovation Patent Mitra portal. Selected companies will receive licensing rights for development, manufacturing, and commercialization, supported technically by RMRC and ICMR. (Indian Council of Medical Research, News on Air, The Times of India)
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
Question 1:
Which organization has issued the EoI for technology transfer of the malaria vaccine AdFalciVax?
A) DBT
B) ICMR
C) WHO
D) UNICEF
Answer: B) ICMR
Explanation: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited expressions of interest for licensing and commercialization of the AdFalciVax malaria vaccine. (Indian Council of Medical Research, The Times of India)
Question 2:
What is the target pathogen for the vaccine AdFalciVax?
A) Plasmodium vivax
B) SARS-CoV-2
C) Plasmodium falciparum
D) Dengue virus
Answer: C) Plasmodium falciparum
Explanation: AdFalciVax is a multi-stage recombinant vaccine designed specifically against Plasmodium falciparum, which causes the most severe form of malaria. (Indian Council of Medical Research, News on Air, The Times of India)
Question 3:
Which institute led the development of AdFalciVax?
A) ICMR-NIMR
B) ICMR-RMRC Bhubaneswar
C) NII Delhi
D) AIIMS Delhi
Answer: B) ICMR-RMRC Bhubaneswar
Explanation: The RMRC, Bhubaneswar, under ICMR, developed the vaccine technology, with preclinical validation from ICMR-NIMR and NII Delhi. (The Times of India, www.pharmabiz.com, News on Air)
Question 4:
By which date must interested entities submit their EoI for AdFalciVax?
A) September 1, 2025
B) August 17, 2025
C) July 31, 2025
D) October 1, 2025
Answer: B) August 17, 2025
Explanation: The EoI was released on July 17, 2025, and the submission deadline is August 17, 2025. (Indian Council of Medical Research, The Times of India)
Question 5:
Through which portal must companies submit their EoI for AdFalciVax?
A) IndiaBiospace
B) PatentMitra portal
C) Arogya Setu
D) GAVI portal
Answer: B) PatentMitra portal
Explanation: Applicants need to register and submit the EoI via the Medical Innovation Patent Mitra portal as specified by ICMR. (Indian Council of Medical Research, www.pharmabiz.com)
