The Colombian scientist and professor Manuel Elkin Patarroyocreator of the first synthetic vaccine against malaria, died this Thursday at the age of 78, reported the Government of Colombia.
“We regret the death of Manuel Elkin Patarroyoa prominent figure in science in Colombia. “His work and dedication marked important advances in scientific research,” the Colombian Ministry of Sciences said on Thursday on its X social network account.
In case you missed it: Canada recognizes González Urrutia as president of Venezuela
We regret the death of Manuel Elkin Patarroyo, a prominent figure in science in Colombia. His work and dedication marked important advances in scientific research. Our respect and condolences to his family. 🕊️
— MinCiencias Colombia (@MincienciasCo) January 9, 2025
The immunologist and pathologist was the first creator of a synthetic vaccine against malaria, a parasitic tropical disease that is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes and which, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), caused 597,000 deaths in 2023.
“Despite offers to work in research centers in the rest of the world, she decided to settle in her country, Colombia, working with a small interdisciplinary team,” says a brief biography from the Princess of Asturias Foundation of Spain, which in 1994 gave her awarded the Prince of Asturias award. Throughout his career he received other recognitions for his research and his name came to be heard as a candidate for the Nobel Prize in medicine.
In case you missed it: Musk seeks to cut US public spending by $1 trillion
In what years was the malaria vaccine developed?
Since 1984, lightning bolt He was the first director of the Institute of Immunology at the San Juan de Dios hospital in Bogotá. Between 1986 and 1988, it developed its SPf66 vaccine against malaria, the first recognized by the OMS.
“His contributions and legacy in immunology will always be remembered, as will his ingenuity, enthusiasm and dedication to research and science,” said the Faculty of Medicine of the National University of Colombia in a statement published in X. linked for more than 50 years.
The Patarroyo vaccine against malaria is no longer used due to its low effectiveness, but at the time it was revolutionary.
The scientist was the target of criticism from animal activists and judicial investigations for the use of monkeys from the Amazon to test the effectiveness of the injection.
Related