Developing new natural products to fight malaria

Natural Product Inspired Novel Antimalarials with Radical Cure Potential

NIH-funded research Portland State University · NIH-11066434

This study is working on new malaria medicines inspired by nature to help fight the disease, especially as some current treatments aren't working as well anymore, and it aims to create a safe and affordable option that can tackle different stages of the malaria parasite's life cycle.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPortland State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Portland, United States)
Project IDNIH-11066434 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating new antimalarial drugs inspired by natural products to effectively combat malaria, especially in light of rising drug resistance. The approach involves developing a novel chemotype that targets multiple stages of the malaria parasite's life cycle, aiming to provide a radical cure. The research includes testing the drug's effectiveness against various strains of the parasite and ensuring it has favorable absorption and stability characteristics. Patients may benefit from a new treatment option that is both effective and affordable.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who are at risk of or suffering from malaria.

Not a fit: Patients who are not affected by malaria or those over the age of 11 may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of a new, effective antimalarial drug that can overcome current treatment challenges.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in developing novel antimalarial agents, but this specific approach using a prodiginine chemotype is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Portland, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.