Drugs that block the malaria parasite's protein-recycling system to stop infection and spread
Selective Plasmodium proteasome inhibitors as novel multi-stage antimalarials
Developing new medicines that block the malaria parasite's proteasome to kill parasites at multiple life stages and help people at risk of malaria, especially young children in high-burden regions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176367 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are trying to make medicines that target the malaria parasite's proteasome — the machine parasites use to recycle and remove damaged proteins. They will test promising compounds in lab-grown parasites and in animal models and examine how these drugs work together with current treatments like artemisinin. The team aims to produce drugs that can treat active infections, prevent infection after exposure, and block transmission to mosquitoes. If the best candidates perform well in preclinical work, the plan is to advance them toward clinical trials in malaria-affected areas.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: If human trials occur, ideal participants would be people at risk for P. falciparum malaria — for example young children and residents of malaria-endemic areas — or patients with uncomplicated malaria treated at participating sites.
Not a fit: People with non-falciparum malaria species (like P. vivax), those who need immediate approved therapies, or individuals unable to travel to trial locations would be unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new drugs that treat and prevent P. falciparum malaria and reduce transmission, providing major benefit to children and communities in endemic regions.
How similar studies have performed: Proteasome inhibitors are approved for some cancers and preclinical studies show they can kill Plasmodium parasites and act synergistically with artemisinin, but human trials for malaria are still very limited.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Gang — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Lin, Gang
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.