A VACCINE against malaria produced by an Oxford company is being tried out on volunteer patients.

The phase one clinical trial, carried out with Professor Adrian Hill at Oxford University, will explore the safety and effectiveness of the DNA malaria vaccine made by Powderject, of Oxford Science Park, Sandford, which is developing pain-free alternatives to injections.

The DNA, part of the genetic make-up of a malaria cell, is stuck to microscopic gold particles to make a dry powder, which is painlessly pumped into the skin by a jet of helium gas. Once inside the skin cell, the DNA separates from the gold particles and directs the cell to make a protein which protects against malaria.

Schaefer Price, the president of PowderJect Vaccines, based in Madison, USA, said: "We are pleased to commence the first European clinical study of a DNA vaccine in healthy volunteers, which confirms our world lead in DNA vaccination.

"This is an important milestone for the progress of DNA vaccine research in Europe, and highlights Oxford University's strength in the field."

PowderJect's hepatitis B injection was the first DNA vaccine in the world to elicit a protective immune response in patients, as well as stimulating strong cellular immune responses.

A skin cancer vaccine is being evaluated by the National Cancer Institute and Dr Mark Albertini at the University of Wisconsin in the USA.

Malaria kills 1.5 to three million each year. It is notoriously difficult to control and is becoming resistant to drugs and insecticides. If the Oxford trial is successful, it could be many years before a DNA vaccine is released

Story date: Friday 03 September

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