Crucell, the Dutch biotechnology firm is said to have joined hands with Britain's GlaxoSmithKline to develop a malaria vaccine candidate. The financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

This deal is an extension to the earlier agreement of October 2003 between Crucell, GSK and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research to evaluate Crucell's malaria vaccine candidate in pre-clinical studies.

According to Crucell, the use of Adenovirus technology and GSK's RTS, S/AS technology when used in combination, showed greatly enhanced immune responses against the malaria parasite.

Crucell Chief Executive Ronald Brus said in a statement, "I am confident a partnership of this kind will allow us to take a vital step towards our goal of bringing meaningful innovation to global health".

In United States, the companies plan to start human clinical studies and will be seeking third party funding to advance the programme into a phase phase I/II clinical challenge trial.

With the support of public or non-profit partners, the companies expect to advance in further clinical studies, while they wait for the results of the trial.

Malaria is one of the most widespread infections in tropical and subtropical areas, and causes close to 900,000 annual deaths, and affects mostly children.