Better ways to measure antimalarial drugs in blood samples
Precise field-friendly methods for quantification of antimalarial drugs in dried blood spots
This project is developing an easier and more accurate way to measure antimalarial drug levels from small blood samples, which could help patients receiving these treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11140544 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project aims to improve how we measure antimalarial drugs like lumefantrine, amodiaquine, and piperaquine from tiny blood samples collected on dried blood spots (DBS). Currently, measuring drugs from DBS can be challenging due to sample variations and difficulties in correlating with drug levels in plasma. We are using a special technique called volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) to collect very precise, small blood samples, which can be done easily by patients themselves. These samples are then analyzed with advanced technology to accurately determine drug levels, even considering factors like how drugs bind to proteins and vary in blood cells. The goal is to make drug monitoring simpler and more reliable for patients, especially in areas where traditional blood draws and lab equipment are not readily available.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients taking antimalarial drugs, particularly those in regions where access to traditional blood testing is limited, could potentially benefit from this improved monitoring method.
Not a fit: Patients not taking antimalarial medications or those with easy access to standard blood testing methods may not directly benefit from this specific development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to more convenient and accurate monitoring of antimalarial drug levels, helping doctors ensure patients receive the right amount of medication for effective treatment.
How similar studies have performed: While dried blood spot methods exist, this project aims to improve accuracy and reliability, especially with specific antimalarial drugs and the VAMS technique, making it a novel approach in this context.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Liusheng — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Huang, Liusheng
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.