THE controversial malaria vaccine developed by Colombian scientist Manuel Patarroyo has suffered what could be a mortal blow. Researchers report in the latest issue of
When the vaccine was given to more than 1200 children between 2 and 15 years old in Thailand, it offered no protection at all. François Nosten, of Mahidol University in Bangkok, who led the trial, says that the results probably spell the end for the vaccine, known as SPf66. "We now have concrete evidence proving that the vaccine is, in fact, ineffective," he says.
Earlier trials in South America had shown that the vaccine offered just over 30 per cent protection against
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