New antimalarial drugs targeting liver and blood stages of malaria

Second-Generation Novel Liver Stage Active Antimalarials

NIH-funded research Portland State University · NIH-11065437

This study is working on new malaria medicines that can help treat both the early and later stages of the infection, especially focusing on making them safe for kids and pregnant women, so we can better fight malaria and prevent it from coming back.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPortland State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Portland, United States)
Project IDNIH-11065437 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new class of antimalarial drugs that effectively target both the liver and blood stages of malaria infections. The approach involves optimizing a specific type of compound known as acridones to enhance their effectiveness, safety, and ability to prevent relapses. The research aims to ensure these drugs are safe for vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women, and to understand how these drugs work at a molecular level. By conducting extensive preclinical evaluations, the goal is to create a treatment that can significantly contribute to the global effort to eradicate malaria.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include children under 11 years old and pregnant women who are at risk of malaria.

Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk of malaria or those with existing severe liver conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer treatments for malaria, particularly benefiting children and pregnant women.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in developing dual-stage antimalarial drugs, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Portland, 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 2026-06-10 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.