Tracking and understanding drug resistance in malaria parasites in Uganda
Official title: Surveillance to track and characterize antimalarial resistance trends in Ugandan Plasmodium falciparum parasites (STARTUP)
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10982459 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how malaria parasites in Uganda are becoming resistant to treatments, so we can find better ways to help patients get the right care and improve their chances of recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | December 20, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $738,626 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI173557-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10982459 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals living in Uganda who are affected by malaria or at risk of malaria infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in Uganda or who are not affected by malaria may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on monitoring and analyzing the resistance of malaria-causing parasites to antimalarial drugs in Uganda. By utilizing a network of surveillance sites and advanced laboratory techniques, the study aims to identify genetic markers associated with drug resistance and understand the ecological factors that contribute to its spread. Patients may benefit from improved treatment strategies as the research seeks to provide critical insights into how resistance develops and can be managed. The study employs a combination of molecular, parasitological, and epidemiological methods to gather comprehensive data on the situation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for malaria, ultimately reducing morbidity and mortality associated with the disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in tracking drug resistance in malaria, but this specific approach focusing on Uganda's unique context is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Conrad, Melissa D — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Conrad, Melissa D
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.