Single-dose drug candidate clears malaria parasites in mice, including dormant forms
Malaria is an ancient disease, dating back to 4,000–3,000 B.C., according to genetic evidence. Two hundred fifty million people are infected each year, and 610,000 cases are fatal. UIC researchers have developed a new antimalarial drug designed to thwart even the most drug-resistant forms of the infection. Early testing in mice killed malaria parasites in just one dose.
A new drug candidate designed to combat malaria has shown promising results in early testing on mice. Developed by researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), the oral antimalarial drug proved effective in killing malaria parasites in a single dose, even targeting dormant forms of the infection.
Malaria remains a significant global health concern, responsible for 250 million annual infections and 610,000 deaths, primarily affecting children in sub-Saharan Africa. Led by UIC pharmacist Paul Carlier, the study published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry highlights the urgent need for novel treatments given the prevalence of drug-resistant strains and the challenges associated with current drug regimens.
Carlier emphasized that the new drug offers a significant advantage over existing medications, as it exhibits a "high barrier to resistance," meaning the parasites cannot develop resistance to it. This breakthrough could potentially eliminate the need for multiple doses, reducing the burden of administering medicine and minimizing the risk of incomplete treatment.
While the drug demonstrated efficacy in mice infected with Plasmodium yoelii, a close relative of the human malaria parasite, further preclinical research is necessary to optimize potency, safety, dosage, and resistance potential before progressing to human trials. The UIC-led research team, collaborating with institutions in the United States, United Kingdom, and Switzerland, is actively seeking funding to advance this promising development towards real-world application.
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