• A new research study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows promise for a potential malaria prevention breakthrough.

• A single subcutaneous injection of an antibody called L9LS protected children in Mali by up to 77% during the 6-month malaria season.

• The antibody was developed by scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and had previously demonstrated 80% protection in adults during a phase 1 clinical trial.

• The researchers conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial with 225 children aged 6-10 in Mali, giving them either a 150mg or 300mg dose of L9LS or a placebo injection.

• All participants received a standard artemether-lumefantrine treatment 7 to 12 days before L9LS or a placebo to eliminate any existing infection.

• The main focus was to detect P. falciparum in the blood, with or without symptoms, through regular blood smear checks every two weeks for the following 6 months.

• When compared to traditional preventive measures like seasonal chemical interventions, monoclonal antibodies have advantages, especially in low-income countries, because of their one-time administration and potentially better adherence.

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