New Delhi: Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a new oral antimalarial drug that, in early animal studies, eliminated malaria parasites with a single dose—even against strains designed to mimic drug-resistant infections.
The experimental drug successfully cured mice infected with Plasmodium yoelii, a parasite commonly used to model human malaria. Researchers say it also targets dormant parasites, a key challenge with existing treatments, and has so far shown no signs of allowing the parasite to develop drug resistance, as reported by Jenna Kurtzweil of News Wise.
Malaria infects an estimated 250 million people every year and causes more than 600,000 deaths globally, with young children in sub-Saharan Africa among the hardest hit. While current medicines can lose effectiveness as the parasite evolves resistance, and many require multiple doses over several days, the new compound is being developed as a one-dose oral treatment.
Lead investigator Paul Carlier, chair in medicinal chemistry at UIC’s Retzky College of Pharmacy, said the drug is aimed at overcoming the constant “arms race” between malaria parasites and existing medicines. He noted that incomplete treatment courses can also contribute to recurring infections and resistance, particularly in regions where access to healthcare is limited.
Beyond its single-dose approach, the drug is designed to eliminate dormant parasites that can survive some existing therapies and trigger future infections.
The research team has filed a patent application for the compound and is seeking additional funding from the US National Institutes of Health to advance it into the next stage of development. Scientists say further work will focus on improving the drug’s potency, minimising side effects and refining the dosage before human trials.