Tracking genetic changes in malaria to combat drug resistance in Africa
Official title: Genomic surveillance for artemisinin resistance in Africa: moving beyond a candidate gene approach
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11071419 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how malaria parasites in Africa might become resistant to important treatments, so we can better understand their changes over time and find new ways to keep fighting the disease effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $776,905 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI183599-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071419 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in sub-Saharan Africa who are at risk of malaria infection and may be treated with artemisinin-based therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in malaria-endemic regions or those who are not receiving artemisinin-based treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how malaria parasites in Africa may develop resistance to artemisinin-based treatments, which are crucial for malaria management. By using genomic surveillance, the study will monitor changes in the genetic makeup of these parasites over time, particularly after the introduction of treatment. The approach aims to identify specific genetic mutations that contribute to resistance, moving beyond traditional methods that focus solely on one gene. This comprehensive analysis will help in understanding the broader biological processes involved in resistance, which is essential for effective treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing and treating malaria, ultimately saving lives and reducing the burden of the disease in affected regions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that genomic surveillance can effectively identify drug resistance in other regions, indicating a promising approach for this study.
Where this research is happening
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University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harrison, Shannon Takala — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Harrison, Shannon Takala
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.