Manuel Elkin Patarroyo

Colombian immunologist who developed the first synthetic malaria vaccine, advancing global tropical disease research.

Manuel Elkin Patarroyo (b. 1946) is a Colombian scientist renowned for creating the world's first synthetic malaria vaccine, SPf66, in the 1980s. His innovative approach to vaccine development using synthetic peptides revolutionized immunology and offered hope to millions in malaria-endemic regions.

Despite limited funding, Patarroyo's team at the Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia conducted groundbreaking research. He donated the SPf66 patent to the WHO, prioritizing accessibility over profit—a decision that underscored his commitment to global health equity.

Though SPf66's efficacy varied regionally, it paved the way for future vaccines like RTS,S. Patarroyo's work earned him the Prince of Asturias Award in 1994. Today, he continues researching simian malaria models to improve vaccine design. Explore his contributions in this scientific study.