Developing new treatments to kill malaria-causing parasites in mosquitoes
Official title: From bench to bednet: Developing novel mitochondrial inhibitors for killing Plasmodium in the malaria mosquito
Funded at Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-11002001 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to fight malaria by using special compounds that can kill the parasites in mosquitoes, helping to reduce the spread of the disease in areas where malaria is a problem.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 18, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $690,670 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI179949-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002001 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in malaria-endemic regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
✕Less likely to help
Patients living in non-endemic regions or those who do not have exposure to malaria are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on finding new ways to combat malaria by targeting the mosquitoes that spread the disease. It investigates the use of novel mitochondrial inhibitors that can kill the malaria-causing Plasmodium parasites when absorbed by the mosquitoes. The approach involves applying specific compounds to surfaces that mosquitoes come into contact with, which could help reduce malaria transmission in affected regions. By addressing the growing resistance to current insecticides, this research aims to provide a new tool for malaria prevention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce malaria transmission and improve public health in regions affected by the disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing new insecticides and treatments for malaria, but this specific approach using mitochondrial inhibitors is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard School of Public Health
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Catteruccia, Flaminia — Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Catteruccia, Flaminia
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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.