Evidencia: Crónica. GA2-240202501-AA1-EV03

 

Evidencia: Crónica. GA2-240202501-AA1-EV03.

The Man Who Challenged Malaria

In the heart of Colombia, in a small town called Ataco, Tolima, Manuel Elkin Patarroyo was born in 1946, the scientist who challenged one of the deadliest diseases in the world: malaria. From a young age, his passion for science led him to study medicine at the National University of Colombia, where he discovered his vocation for immunology.

In the 1980s, Patarroyo embarked on a titanic task: developing a vaccine against malaria, a disease that claims millions of lives each year in tropical regions. Unlike traditional vaccines, based on attenuated microorganisms, his approach was revolutionary: to synthesize in the laboratory the essential fragments of the parasite that causes the disease. Thus, SPf66 was born, the first synthetic vaccine against malaria, a milestone in medical history.

The discovery earned him worldwide recognition, making him a reference in the fight against infectious diseases. In 1993, he donated the patent for his vaccine to the World Health Organization (WHO), hoping it could be distributed for free in the most affected countries. However, later trials in different populations showed variable results, generating criticism and controversy in the scientific community.
Despite the obstacles, Patarroyo did not stop. He continued refining his method and working on new versions of the vaccine. His dedication has earned him countless awards, including the Prince of Asturias Award and the National Order of Merit in Colombia. Moreover, he has been a vocal advocate for access to science in developing countries, defending research as a universal right.

Today, Manuel Elkin Patarroyo continues his fight against malaria from the Institute of Immunology of Colombia, with the firm conviction that science must serve humanity. His story is a testament to perseverance and commitment, a legacy that inspires new generations of scientists to challenge the impossible. 

The Man Who Challenged Malaria

In the heart of Colombia, in a small town called Ataco, Tolima, Manuel Elkin Patarroyo was born in 1946, the scientist who challenged one of the deadliest diseases in the world: malaria. From a young age, his passion for science led him to study medicine at the National University of Colombia, where he discovered his vocation for immunology.

In the 1980s, Patarroyo embarked on a titanic task: developing a vaccine against malaria, a disease that claims millions of lives each year in tropical regions. Unlike traditional vaccines, based on attenuated microorganisms, his approach was revolutionary: to synthesize in the laboratory the essential fragments of the parasite that causes the disease. Thus, SPf66 was born, the first synthetic vaccine against malaria, a milestone in medical history.

The discovery earned him worldwide recognition, making him a reference in the fight against infectious diseases. In 1993, he donated the patent for his vaccine to the World Health Organization (WHO), hoping it could be distributed for free in the most affected countries. However, later trials in different populations showed variable results, generating criticism and controversy in the scientific community.
Despite the obstacles, Patarroyo did not stop. He continued refining his method and working on new versions of the vaccine. His dedication has earned him countless awards, including the Prince of Asturias Award and the National Order of Merit in Colombia. Moreover, he has been a vocal advocate for access to science in developing countries, defending research as a universal right.

Today, Manuel Elkin Patarroyo continues his fight against malaria from the Institute of Immunology of Colombia, with the firm conviction that science must serve humanity. His story is a testament to perseverance and commitment, a legacy that inspires new generations of scientists to challenge the impossible.