New antimalarial drugs targeting liver and blood stages of malaria
Official title: Second-Generation Novel Liver Stage Active Antimalarials
Funded at Portland State University · NIH-11065437 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Portland State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $659,657 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI158533-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065437 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children under 11 years old and pregnant women who are at risk of malaria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of malaria or those with existing severe liver conditions may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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 State University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kelly, Jane X — Portland State University
- Study coordinator: Kelly, Jane X
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.