Optimizing tafenoquine dose to prevent P. vivax malaria relapses in 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-11618631 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to find the best single-dose tafenoquine amount to prevent relapse of P. vivax malaria in people in East Asia and Oceania.
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) | $199,344 |
| NIH project number | 3U01AI165321-04S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11618631 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with Plasmodium vivax malaria or those at risk of relapse, including adults and children in East Asia and Oceania, with varying G6PD activity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with very low G6PD activity or those who cannot take tafenoquine may not benefit from dose adjustments.
What this research studies
This project uses existing trial data from adults and children to identify the dose of tafenoquine that most effectively prevents P. vivax relapses. Researchers will perform a detailed analysis of individual participant data from prior trials to understand how dose relates to relapse risk, especially in populations with varying G6PD activity. The work aims to translate findings into clearer dosing guidance for real-world use, potentially simplifying radical cure. The study is led by a team at the University of Oxford and collaborators in affected regions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the right tafenoquine dose could reduce malaria relapses with a practical single-dose regimen.
How similar studies have gone: Prior trials and meta-analyses indicate a dose-response relationship and potential for improved relapse prevention with adjusted dosing.
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.