Finding new uses for existing drugs to treat malaria
Repurposing kinase inhibitor chemotypes as antimalarials
This study is looking for new ways to treat malaria by using some medicines already approved for other diseases, like cancer, to help create effective pills that can tackle different stages of the malaria parasite and improve treatment options for people affected by this illness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cape Town NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rondebosch, South Africa) |
| Project ID | NIH-10808058 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new treatments for malaria by repurposing existing human kinase inhibitors, which are currently used for cancer and other diseases. The goal is to create effective oral medications that target different stages of the malaria parasite's life cycle, particularly those stages that contribute to disease symptoms and transmission. The research involves optimizing compounds that have shown promise in laboratory tests and conducting screenings to identify additional effective treatments. By leveraging existing knowledge about kinase inhibitors, the project aims to provide new options for malaria treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children and young individuals aged 0-21 who are at risk of or suffering from malaria.
Not a fit: Patients who are not affected by malaria or those who are not within the age range of 0-21 may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective treatments for malaria, potentially saving lives and reducing the burden of this disease.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has successfully repurposed existing drugs for new uses, indicating that this approach has potential for success in treating malaria.
Where this research is happening
Rondebosch, South Africa
- University of Cape Town — Rondebosch, South Africa (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chibale, Kelly — University of Cape Town
- Study coordinator: Chibale, Kelly
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.