Transmission Zero Develops the First GM Mosquitoes to Stop Malaria Transmission in Tanzania

Researchers led by Imperial College London, in partnership with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), and the National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) in Tanzania, have successfully developed the first transgenic mosquitoes to block the transmission of malaria. As part of the Transmission Zero project, this milestone marks the first time a genetically modified (GM), gene drive-compatible mosquito strain has been developed in Africa.

The study, published in Nature, introduced antimalarial traits under containment through naturally occurring molecules from frogs and honeybees into local mosquito populations. These modified mosquitoes effectively prevented the development of Plasmodium falciparum, the primary malaria parasite in Africa. While the study shows promising results, further research is needed before field trials can begin.

The team is also looking at the next phase of Transmission Zero's research, which includes comprehensive risk assessments, regulatory engagement, and continued community consultation. “Now, we want to move at the right speed. It is important that we're not too fast and that we make sure people are supportive of this new technology, but we should also move with urgency and treat malaria as the emergency that it is,” said Dr. Nikolai Windichler from Transmission Zero and Imperial's Department of Life Sciences.

For more information, read the article from Imperial College London, Swiss TPH, or IHI.