IDCRC Investigator Profile: Matthew B. Laurens, MD, MPH
Matthew Laurens, MD, MPH, is a pediatric infectious disease specialist with a primary research interest in malaria, typhoid fever, and other diseases that disproportionately affect people who live in resource-limited settings. He conducts studies at the Center for Vaccine Development (CVD) in Baltimore and at international sites in Burkina Faso, Mali, Malawi, and Uganda. Dr. Laurens evaluates vaccines and therapeutics that target infectious pathogens, studies the interaction of HIV and malaria, and investigates the acquisition of antimalarial immunity. The broad goal of Dr. Laurens’ research is to illuminate the mechanisms of vaccine-induced immunity with the aim of informing the development of vaccines and therapeutics.
Dr. Laurens is the director of the Typhoid Vaccine Acceleration Consortium (TyVAC), a partnership between the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, the Oxford Vaccine Group at the University of Oxford, and PATH.
Dr. Laurens also currently serves as the principal investigator for the IDCRC study, "Pharmacokinetic Study of IV Artesunate to Treat Children With Severe Malaria."
How long have you worked with a VTEU?
I first began working with our VTEU in 2007 during my fellowship training in pediatric infectious diseases. I joined Kirsten Lyke, MD, to develop a human challenge model for malaria using mosquitoes reared aseptically and infected with the NF54 Plasmodium falciparum strain and to advance PCR-based diagnostics for malaria human challenge studies.
Can you share more about the current IDCRC study you're working on?
I am currently collaborating on an international study in Uganda with Pauline Byakika–Kibwika, MBChB, MSc CEB, M. Med, PhD. The study is titled “Pharmacokinetic Study of IV Artesunate to Treat Children With Severe Malaria” and it seeks to understand the relationship between biophysical parameters and blood artesunate levels. The goal of the study is to inform the current dosing regimen for IV artesunate in children. The study ended recruitment in late 2025, and follow-up will continue through April 2026.
Learn more about this study here.
Briefly describe the IDCRC-supported trials you've worked on.
Most of my work with IDCRC-supported trials involves malaria clinical trials, including human challenge studies at the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD) in Baltimore, a first-in-human malaria vaccine trial with human challenge at CVD in Baltimore, a Phase 2 malaria vaccine trial in malaria-experienced adults in Mali, West Africa, and an ongoing study of IV artesunate in severe malaria in children in Uganda. I also supported the Phase 3 clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccines developed by Moderna and Novavax.
Learn more about IDCRC-support studies.
Of these trials, what has been the most impactful or highlight of the work?
The most impactful part of this work is to be part of an experienced network of researchers who advance cutting-edge initiatives that support the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases' mission. Working alongside experienced investigators to guide me early in my career gave me the needed support to learn and advance new concepts and conduct novel clinical trials.What is a strength or example of the importance of the IDCRC?
A particular strength of IDCRC is the capacity to rapidly develop vaccines against pathogens important to public health. Examples include H5N1 and COVID-19. The readiness and capacity of the IDCRC are huge assets to our nation’s health and well-being.
What do you like to do outside of the VTEU?
Outside of VTEU, I enjoy teaching medical students, residents, and fellows about infectious disease-related topics. I am energized by the learning process and count myself fortunate to be part of an academic community with wonderful colleagues. In my time outside of work, I enjoy running, kayaking, cooking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.