Malaria medicines that target multiple parasite stages

Optimization of antimalarials targeting multiple life stages of the parasite

NIH-funded research University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11143016

Researchers are improving two new drug candidates meant to kill malaria parasites at different stages to help people at risk of or living with malaria.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11143016 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You can think of this work as lab and preclinical testing to make two promising antimalarial compounds stronger and safer. The team uses computer screening, chemistry, and experiments in blood and liver parasite stages (and some animal models) to change the molecules and measure how well they work. They also study how the body absorbs and clears the compounds and look for ways the parasite might become resistant. The goal is to pick the best candidates to move into formal safety and human trials later on.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Future clinical trials would likely enroll people exposed to or infected with malaria, especially in regions where the disease is common.

Not a fit: Because this is preclinical work, patients needing immediate treatment will not receive direct benefit from this grant right now.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, these drugs could offer new treatments that clear infection, block transmission, and work against drug-resistant malaria.

How similar studies have performed: Related antimalarial classes like artemisinins have proven effective, and the team's earlier compound showed activity, but these specific molecules are novel and need further testing.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, 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.