Novel antimalarial drugs that target PfGARP to treat severe malaria
Official title: Development of a Novel Therapeutic Class of Antimalarials Targeting PfGARP as Treatments for Severe Malaria
Funded at Rhode Island Hospital · NIH-11394327 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new class of drugs is being explored to treat severe malaria by targeting PfGARP, a parasite protein, with the aim of helping children in malaria-endemic regions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rhode Island Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | August 16, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $397,369 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM156688-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11394327 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be children in malaria-endemic regions who suffer from severe malaria or are at high risk of severe disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without malaria or those with non-targeted forms of malaria may not benefit from this specific project.
What this research studies
This project aims to find small molecules that bind PfGARP the same way as existing antibodies do, potentially stopping the parasite and reducing severe malaria outcomes. Researchers will screen a library of compounds to identify candidates that attach to PfGARP and trigger parasite death. The work focuses on a pediatric-relevant disease and uses laboratory assays to test binding and activity against the parasite. If successful, these candidates could become the basis for new, simpler treatments that work even where drug resistance is a concern.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new antimalarial drugs that reduce deaths from severe malaria, especially in young children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows PfGARP is a viable parasite target and antibodies against PfGARP can kill parasites, supporting a small-molecule approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Rhode Island Hospital
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jha, Ambrish — Rhode Island Hospital
- Study coordinator: Jha, Ambrish
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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.