Next-generation drug combination for uncomplicated malaria

Within the broader context of rising antimicrobial resistance, multidrug resistant malaria has emerged in Southeast Asia and markers of partial resistance have been reported in Rwanda. If resistance were to take hold in sub-Saharan Africa, where the malaria burden is highest, it would pose a major threat to malaria control and elimination efforts.

New combination therapies are needed to combat this looming possibility. Of several compounds from MMV’s portfolio known to be fully active against all drug-resistant strains, one front-runner combination that meets the target criteria has been selected. This combination is promising as a new non-artemisinin combination treatment (non-ACT) with a shorter regimen than the current standard-of-care. Developed to treat malaria in populations living in endemic areas, the combination could help cure patients infected with resistant parasites, potentially impact transmission and support the overall objective of malaria elimination. The combination will be tested in a Phase IIa clinical study, initially in adults and then in adolescents.

Learn more about antimicrobial resistance and malaria. 

Learn more about uncomplicated malaria.