Innovative Transformative CURE for MALaria (CUREMAL) Project

The Ifakara Health Institute has launched the Innovative Transformative CURE for MALaria (CUREMAL) project, a new initiative aimed at developing faster, shorter, and more effective treatments for malaria.

Funded by the Global Health EDCTP3, the project focuses on developing new strategies to combat malaria, focusing on the development of GSK3772701, a novel antimalarial compound with fast-acting parasite killing capabilities similar to artemisinins. Researchers hope the new treatment could eventually shorten malaria therapy to one or two days, improving patient adherence and helping reduce the risk of drug resistance.

CUREMAL will include Phase 2 clinical trials to evaluate the drug’s efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics in adults, adolescents, and children with malaria. The project also supports antimalarial resistance research, capacity building in sub-Saharan Africa, and the strengthening of collaborative research networks.

GSK3772701 is a novel pyrrolidinamide antimalarial that targets a critical metabolic pathway used by Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for the most severe forms of malaria. Early-phase studies have already shown encouraging results.

The project is being implemented through an international consortium, with Dr. Said Jongo serving as overall Principal Investigator and Dr. Grace Mwangoka leading the project at Ifakara Health Institute.

By contributing to the development of next-generation malaria medicines, the CUREMAL project aims to support global efforts to combat malaria and improve access to effective treatment across Africa and beyond.