Malaria is one of the world’s most significant infectious-diseases, causing 250–280 million infections and more than 600,000 deaths annually, together with substantial economic and social costs. Existing licensed vaccines (RTS, S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M) target only a single protein of one species at one life-cycle stage, deliver partial and waning efficacy, and leave substantial unmet need against P. vivax and transmission.

Saccharide Therapeutics is developing ST101, a first-in-class synthetic glycoconjugate vaccine that targets the highly conserved glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) glycan present on every stage and species of the malaria parasite.

Chemically synthesised and formulated with established, low-cost carriers and adjuvants, ST101 has demonstrated preclinical multi-stage efficacy (prevention of infection, blood-stage replication, severe disease and transmission), toxin neutralisation, and potent synergy with existing protein-based vaccines. Its design supports low production cost, excellent stability under standard cold-chain conditions, and compatibility with WHO Expanded Programme on Immunisation schedules.

The Biointelect Venturer funded project will support manufacture GMP-grade ST101, obtain TGA CTN authorisation, and complete a Phase Ia first-in-human safety, dose-ranging and immunogenicity study in Australia.

If successful, these Saccharine Therapeutics activities will establish the human clinical foundation required for subsequent efficacy trials, commercial partnerships, and progression toward a vaccine with potential to contribute meaningfully to malaria control and elimination.