Results from a malaria vaccine trial have so far shown promise that it may open new pathways for combating the serious killer malaria has become.

The outcome of the two studies conducted in Africa, where most malaria-related cases occur, suggests that a new vaccine, developed by GlaxoSmithKline PLC and the Path Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI), may be effective at preventing both infection and the deadly disease itself in babies and children.

Researchers are now closer than ever to the point when the mosquito-born disease "will join diseases like smallpox and polio, that have been either eradicated or controlled by vaccines," according to Christian Loucq, director of MVI, a nonprofit organization funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. About two months ago, the private foundation announced a commitment of almost $169 million to for its MVI to develop next-generation vaccines for malaria. “If the vaccine does well in a larger study to determine whether the shot is truly safe and effective, it could be ready for use as soon as 2011,” Loucq said.

Malaria can be transmitted only by Anopheles mosquitoes, which must have been infected via a previous blood meal taken on an individual that has been infected. After the bite, the number of parasites increases in the liver, and later on infects red blood cells (RBCs) which carry oxygen. Left untreated, the disease can rapidly trigger death by cutting short the blood supply to vital human organs. Starting the 1970s, many teams of researchers have attempted to develop a successful vaccine able to fight malaria, but no vaccine is available yet. People, especially children under five years of age, who live in tropical and subtropical regions should take preventive measures such as following drug treatments.