The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) invites eligible organizations, companies, and manufacturers to submit an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the Transfer of Technology of a recombinant multi-stage malaria vaccine (AdFalciVax). This vaccine aims to prevent Plasmodium falciparum infection in humans and minimize its community transmission.

Background

ICMR, as the apex body in India for biomedical research, aims to address scientific advances and practical health solutions. ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar (ICMR-RMRCBB) has developed "A recombinant chimeric multi-stage malaria vaccine (AdFalciVax) against Plasmodium falciparum."

This vaccine consists of full-length PfCSP (a pre-erythrocytic target) fused with PfsPro6C (subdomains from transmission blocking antigens Pfs230 and Pfs48/45). The vaccine development was funded by BIRAC-NBM, New Delhi, and pre-clinical validation was conducted with ICMR-NIMR and NII, New Delhi.

ICMR is entitled to enter into exclusive/non-exclusive agreements with experienced manufacturing companies for licensing/commercialization of the Product, governed by ICMR IP Policy.

Objective

The primary objective is to license the ‘Technology’ for “A recombinant chimeric multi-stage malaria vaccine (AdFalciVax) against Plasmodium falciparum”. This license aims to facilitate commercialization and marketing activities to prevent Plasmodium falciparum infection in humans and minimize community transmission.

ICMR seeks to collaborate with organizations to transfer the technology for commercialization. The selected company will be granted rights to further develop, manufacture, sell, and commercialize the Technology/Product.

An Agreement will be executed on a Non-Exclusive basis with single/multiple companies to enable wider outreach of the vaccine for societal benefit and public health use, governed by ICMR IP Policy.

Scope of Work and Roles

ICMR- Regional Medical Research Center, Bhubaneswar (RMRCBB) will provide expert guidance & technical support for the production of “A recombinant chimeric multi-stage malaria vaccine (AdFalciVax) against Plasmodium falciparum” in all phases. This technical oversight aims to accelerate product development and commercialization.

ICMR will provide technical support through experienced scientists in study planning, product development, protocol development, data analysis, and safety & efficacy assessment. Support and facilitation will be provided to conduct R&D/clinical studies in India through its Affiliates/Institutes, in collaboration with the company.

The Company shall have valid provisions to provide all necessary infrastructure/ material/ manpower required for product development/ validation/ scale-up either directly or otherwise. The Company shall have provisions to undertake the scale-up as required, manufacturing and commercialization of “A recombinant chimeric multi-stage malaria vaccine (AdFalciVax) against Plasmodium falciparum”, in a set milestone.

The Company agrees to share the technical data with ICMR and participate in all discussions in a professional and mutually agreed-upon manner. The Company agrees to allow authorized personnel/scientist/team of ICMR to visit the designated lab/ production facility as and when required, as envisaged under this EoI and subsequent Agreement.

The Company shall be responsible for obtaining all the regulatory approvals required for commercialization or starting from R&D for product development to its commercialization.

Intellectual Property Rights and Technology Transfer

ICMR is the sole owner of the Technology, including any underlying Intellectual Property(ies) and commercialization rights. Intellectual Property (IP) includes patents, rights to inventions, copyrights, trademarks, and rights to preserve confidentiality.

ICMR legally possesses the rights to retain full or part of the ‘Technology’ or to assign it, and is lawfully entitled to enter into non-exclusive License Agreements with selected companies. In case of joint development, Background Intellectual Property (“BGIP”) shall remain the sole property of the generating Party.

Interested companies are invited to collaborate with ICMR for co-development/ further development & commercialization of the Technology/ Product(s). Shortlisted companies will be contacted for execution of MoA/MoU/Agreement for partnership/collaboration/technology transfer, and shall pay Royalty @ 2% on Net sales, as applicable, according to ICMR Guidelines.

Key Dates and Submission Details

The Date of Publication for this EoI is 17/07/2025. The Last date of submission is 17/08/2025. Interested applicants must submit their Expression of Interest (EoI) through the Medical Innovation Patent Mitra portal (https://patentmitra.icmr.org.in/company-eoiregistration/).

Applicants must first register by providing requisite company information, including details of the authorized representative. Upon successful registration, applicants are required to complete and submit the e-EoI form available on the portal.

ICMR reserves the right to cancel this EoI and/ or invite afresh with or without amendments, without liability or any obligation. Information provided is indicative, and ICMR reserves the right to amend/add details as desired.

Pre-Qualification Criteria

Applicants must meet specific pre-qualification criteria to be considered. These include being a legal entity registered in India, having registration with taxation authorities (GST/PAN), and possessing proven prior experience in manufacturing and/or R&D with manufacturing in the last three years.

Additional requirements include being profitable (for commercial firms), not being blacklisted by any government entity, having a manufacturing unit in India, and not having been convicted of any offense in India in the past 3 years. GMP/quality certification (ISO or approved Indian certification) of the manufacturing facility and GLP/necessary certifications for R & D are also required.

Specific criteria also include having a functional laboratory to carry out R&D for product development and the capacity to produce a specified quantity per week. MSMEs and Start-ups should refer to relevant Government of India guidelines.