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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today confirmed that imported malaria in three U.S. southern border jurisdictions increased in 2023, particularly among new arrivals with recent complex transit through at least one country with endemic malaria. 

The median travel duration was 29 days, and 73% reported traversing land borders.

On May 9, 2024, the CDC's Notes from the Field revealed that during 2023, 68 imported malaria cases were identified in Pima, Arizona (18), San Diego, California (27), and El Paso, Texas (23).

According to this Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, his data compares with 28 cases in 2022 (three in Pima, 12 in San Diego, and 13 in El Paso).

Overall, 63 (91%) patients with malaria in 2023 were hospitalized; no deaths were reported. Severe malaria was more common among other newly arrived migrants (37%) than among U.S. residents (7%).

These new arrivals were non–U.S.-born persons who had arrived in the United States within the preceding six months.

This CDC report is in addition to May 8, 2024, when the CDC reported ten Plasmodium vivax malaria cases in Los Angeles, California.

Seperately the states of Florida and Texas have reported imported malaria cases in 2024, 2023, and 2022. 

Infected people who meet the criteria for uncomplicated malaria are generally treated with either hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, or atovaquone/proguanil, followed by anti-relapse treatment with primaquine.

While malaria is now a vaccine-preventable disease, the two approved vaccines (Mosquirix™, R21/Matrix-M™)   are not currently offered in the U.S.

Dynavax Technologies Corporation today announced that HEPLISAV-B® vaccine net product revenue grew 10% year-over-year to approximately $48 million in the first quarter of 2024.

HEPLISAV-B is the first and only adult hepatitis B vaccine approved in the U.S., the European Union, and Great Britain to enable series completion with only two doses in one month.

In 2024, HEPLISAV-B's total estimated market share in the U.S. increased to approximately 41%, and its estimated market share in the retail pharmacy segment increased to approximately 55%.

"The U.S. adult hepatitis B vaccine opportunity remains significant with over 130 million patients eligible, one of the largest addressable patient populations in the U.S., and the vast majority remaining unvaccinated," said Ryan Spencer, Chief Executive Officer of Dynavax in a press release on May 8, 2024.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and can cause acute or chronic disease.

Driven by the U.S. CDC's Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices' universal recommendation for adult hepatitis B vaccination, the hepatitis B vaccine market continues to expand in the U.S. Dynavax believes the U.S. market has the potential to grow to over $800 million by 2027, with HEPLISAV-B well-positioned to achieve a majority market share.

A supplemental Biologic License Application for HEPLISAV-B vaccination of adults on hemodialysis is currently under review by the U.S. FDA, with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act action date planned for May 13, 2024.