Washington, Jan 27 (ANI): A researcher at the University of Central Florida has developed what promises to be the first low-cost dual vaccine against malaria and cholera.

“I’m very encouraged because our technique works well and provides an affordable way to get vaccines to people who need them most and can least afford them,” said lead scientist Henry Daniell.

Daniell’s team genetically engineered tobacco and lettuce plants to produce the vaccine. Researchers gave mice freeze-dried plant cells (orally or by injection) containing the vaccine. They then challenged the mice with either the cholera toxin or malarial parasite.

Untreated rodents contracted diseases quickly, but the mice who received the plant-grown vaccines showed long-lasting immunity for more than 300 days (equivalent to 50 human years).

Clinical trials are needed, and Daniell is hopeful that the results with mice will translate to humans. It could be yet another example of plants delivering life-saving medicines.

The study has been published in this month’s Plant Biotechnology. (ANI)