Optimizing tafenoquine dose to prevent malaria relapses in Southeast Asia
Official title: Optimizing the dose of tafenoquine for the radical cure of Plasmodium vivax malaria in Southeast Asia
Funded at University of Oxford · NIH-11417910 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to find the best single-dose tafenoquine amount to prevent relapse of Plasmodium vivax malaria in people in East Asia and Oceania, including children and adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oxford NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oxford, United Kingdom) |
| Project start | September 8, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $857,574 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI165321-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11417910 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with Plasmodium vivax malaria in Southeast Asia or adjacent regions, across a broad age range, who could be candidates for tafenoquine radical cure.
✕Less likely to help
Findings may offer limited benefit to individuals with contraindications to tafenoquine or those with very low G6PD activity.
What this research studies
This project uses existing patient data from prior trials to understand how different tafenoquine doses affect relapse rates in people with vivax malaria. Researchers will analyze individual participant data to refine the dose that provides the best balance of effectiveness and safety. The study aims to identify whether higher doses improve relapse prevention across both adults and children living in malaria-endemic regions. Insights from this work could guide future treatment guidelines and improve radical cure strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could optimize a single-dose treatment that reduces malaria relapses and improves outcomes for patients in Southeast Asia and related regions.
How similar studies have gone: Prior phase 3 trials and meta-analyses suggest dose-response relationships, making this a promising next step.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oxford
Oxford, United Kingdom Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chu, Cindy S — University of Oxford
- Study coordinator: Chu, Cindy S
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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.