ReciBioPharm Expands Oxford Collaboration to Advance Two Malaria Vaccines

• ReciBioPharm and the University of Oxford are advancing two malaria vaccine candidates, R78C and RH5.1, into Phase 1/2 trials.

• The CDMO is now leading drug substance, drug product, and fill-finish work under GMP for both candidates.

ReciBioPharm, the advanced biologics division of Recipharm and a leading CDMO, has extended its long-standing partnership with the University of Oxford to support the clinical development of two malaria vaccine candidates, R78C and RH5.1. The collaboration builds on a relationship that began in 2016 and has already delivered five vaccine candidates.

The University of Oxford’s Draper Lab, within the Department of Paediatrics, is spearheading the trials. ReciBioPharm initially delivered both drug substance and drug product for R78C and is now managing large-scale fill and finish operations to meet increased demand. The CDMO will also take full production responsibility for RH5.1, previously manufactured elsewhere, including drug substance, drug product, and final filling.

“This collaboration with ReciBioPharm has been instrumental in accelerating the development of our malaria vaccine portfolio,” said Professor Simon Draper, Group Leader of the Draper Lab.

Malaria remains a critical global health challenge. The WHO’s 2023 report recorded 249 million cases in 2022, with 608,000 deaths—76% of which occurred among children under five in the African region.

Greg Behar, CEO of Recipharm, added: “Together, we’re advancing science with the potential to save millions of lives.”

With a continued focus on innovation, contract manufacturing, and scientific excellence, the University of Oxford and ReciBioPharm are working together to progress vaccines that may contribute to the long-term goal of malaria elimination.