Investigating how certain enzymes affect hemolysis in patients with G6PD deficiency when treated with primaquine.

Nqo2 in Primaquine-Induced Hemolysis of G6PD-deficient RBCs

NIH-funded research University of Virginia · NIH-11083624

This study is looking at how a malaria treatment called primaquine can cause problems for people with a specific condition called G6PD deficiency, and it hopes to find ways to make this treatment safer for them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Virginia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charlottesville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11083624 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind hemolytic anemia caused by primaquine in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDd). It aims to identify specific enzymes, NQO1 and NQO2, that contribute to the generation of harmful reactive oxygen species when primaquine is metabolized. By conducting in vivo studies, the research seeks to uncover how these enzymes interact with primaquine and potentially lead to safer treatment options for malaria in G6PDd patients. The findings could pave the way for developing new therapies that avoid hemolytic complications.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency who are at risk of malaria infection.

Not a fit: Patients without glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency or those not at risk for malaria may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer malaria treatments for patients with G6PD deficiency, reducing the risk of life-threatening hemolytic anemia.

How similar studies have performed: While the identification of these specific enzymes is novel, similar research approaches have shown promise in understanding drug interactions in other conditions.

Where this research is happening

Charlottesville, 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.
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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.