New antibody prevents malaria infection

A new monoclonal antibody—MAM01—developed by researchers at the University of Maryland has shown complete protection against malaria in an early clinical trial. Published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, the study found that none of the volunteers who received the highest dose developed malaria after exposure, compared to all in the placebo group. The single-dose antibody, which targets the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, could offer months-long protection, potentially transforming malaria prevention among children and pregnant women in high-risk regions.