PHM-Exch> Strong candidate for possible single-dose malaria cure

[Claudio Schuftan]

From: Leela McCullough <leela at healthnet.org>
from: afro-nets at healthnet.org


--------------------------
PRESS RELEASE

28 August 2012
African research identifies strong candidate for possible single-dose
malaria cure

Compound discovered by the University of Capetown (UCT) drug discovery
programme selected by MMV for its potent activity against multiple points
in parasite's lifecycle

A recently discovered compound from the aminopyridine class not only has
the potential to become part of a single-dose cure for all strains of
malaria, but might also be able to block transmission of the parasite from
person to person, according to a research collaboration involving the
Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), based in Switzerland, and the Drug
Discovery and Development Centre (H3-D) at the University of Cape Town,
South Africa. On the basis of initial results it was selected by MMV for
further development - making it the first compound researched on African
soil to enter preclinical development in partnership with MMV.

An African solution to save lives

H3-D identified a molecule, code named MMV390048, which was selected in
July 2012 by MMV's Expert Scientific Advisory Committee for further
development. The promising new compound shows potent activity against
multiple points in the malaria parasite's life cycle. This means it not
only has the potential to become part of a single-dose cure for malaria but
might also be able to block transmission of the parasite from person to
person.

  In just 18 months the team had identified and developed a candidate
suitable for preclinical development.

  Malaria  accounts for 24% of total child deaths in sub-Saharan

What is so unique and exciting about MMV390048

It is very potent: it displayed a complete cure of animals infected with
malaria parasites in a single dose given orally, and thus has the potential
to cure millions of people.

It is active against a wide panel of resistant strains of the malaria
parasite.

Developing the drug has made possible the training of more than 10 local
scientists and cemented a strong relationship with an international partner.

The clinical candidate is in line to enter clinical trials in late 2013.
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