The Efficacy and Safety of Monoclonal Antibodies for the Prevention of Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria in High-Risk Pediatric Populations

Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five in sub-Saharan Africa, despite existing control measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets and antimalarial chemoprophylaxis. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have emerged as a promising intervention for malaria prevention, offering immediate and long-lasting protection by targeting specific parasite antigens. This review synthesized evidence from preclinical studies, clinical trials, and real-world data to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mAbs in high-risk pediatric populations. Key findings highlight the potential of mAbs, such as CIS43LS and L9LS, to significantly reduce malaria infection and clinical episodes, with efficacy influenced by factors like antigen specificity, dosing, and epidemiological context. Safety profiles appear favorable, with most adverse events being mild to moderate, though long-term data and evaluations in vulnerable subpopulations are needed. Challenges such as high production costs, potential resistance, and integration into existing malaria control strategies must be addressed to ensure widespread accessibility and impact. This review underscored the transformative potential of mAbs in malaria prevention while calling for continued research, collaboration, and investment to optimize their use in protecting the most vulnerable children. By synthesizing current evidence, this article aimed to inform policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers on the feasibility of integrating mAbs into malaria control programs to reduce the global burden of pediatric malaria. Keywords: Monoclonal Antibodies, Plasmodium falciparum Malaria, Pediatric Populations, Malaria Prevention, Efficacy and Safety.