Mosquito bed-net treatment that kills malaria parasites inside mosquitoes
From bench to bednet: Developing novel mitochondrial inhibitors for killing Plasmodium in the malaria mosquito
['FUNDING_R01'] · HARVARD UNIVERSITY D/B/A HARVARD SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH · NIH-11225133
Using new bed-net treatments that kill malaria parasites inside mosquitoes to help protect people in sub‑Saharan Africa from malaria.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | HARVARD UNIVERSITY D/B/A HARVARD SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11225133 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing chemicals that can be applied to bed nets and other household surfaces so mosquitoes pick them up and the malaria parasite inside them dies. The team is focusing on two related compounds that target different parts of the parasite's mitochondrial cytochrome b to reduce the chance of resistance. Work combines laboratory tests on parasite stages and mosquitoes with tests of treated materials that mimic long‑lasting insecticide nets. The aim is a durable, effective net treatment that works even where mosquitoes are resistant to current insecticides.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living in malaria‑endemic areas of sub‑Saharan Africa who sleep under bed nets and might participate in field tests or benefit from improved nets.
Not a fit: People who live outside malaria zones or who do not use bed nets are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this specific intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lower malaria infections by making bed nets kill the parasite inside mosquitoes and reduce the chance of transmission to people.
How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory and mosquito experiments have shown promise for surface-applied antimalarials, but the approach is relatively new and needs further testing in real-world settings.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- HARVARD UNIVERSITY D/B/A HARVARD SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CATTERUCCIA, FLAMINIA — HARVARD UNIVERSITY D/B/A HARVARD SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
- Study coordinator: CATTERUCCIA, FLAMINIA
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.