Creating new drugs to fight malaria by targeting a specific enzyme
Official title: Development of phenolic small molecule inhibitors of PfATP6, a Plasmodium calcium ATPase
Funded at California State University Sacramento · NIH-11091570 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating new malaria medicines that target a specific enzyme in the malaria parasite, with the hope of finding treatments that are easier to make and more effective for people suffering from malaria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California State University Sacramento NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Sacramento, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $142,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM145435-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11091570 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in malaria-endemic regions who may benefit from new antimalarial therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in malaria-endemic areas or those who are not infected with malaria may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new antimalarial drugs that inhibit a calcium-transporting enzyme called PfATP6 found in the malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The approach involves designing and testing simple phenolic compounds that can effectively block this enzyme, which is crucial for the parasite's survival. By synthesizing these compounds, researchers aim to create effective treatments that are easier to produce and potentially more effective than existing options. The ultimate goal is to better understand how these inhibitors interact with the enzyme at a molecular level, paving the way for new therapies against malaria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective and accessible treatments for malaria.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing inhibitors targeting similar enzymes in other infectious diseases, suggesting a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
California State University Sacramento
Sacramento, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Paula, Stefan Franz — California State University Sacramento
- Study coordinator: Paula, Stefan Franz
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.