Understanding a malaria drug resistance mutation spreading in Africa
Official title: Dissecting the Rapid Multifocal Emergence of the Kelch13 441L Artemisinin Resistance Mutation across Southern and Eastern Africa
Funded at Brown University · NIH-11440175 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A short study will map and characterize a gene change in malaria parasites that may make the standard malaria drugs less effective, focusing on Africa.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | September 4, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $251,667 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI203095-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11440175 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum in East and Southern Africa where the K13 P441L mutation is present or suspected.
✕Less likely to help
The study does not involve direct patient treatment and may not benefit individuals who do not carry or are not exposed to the mutation.
What this research studies
This project looks at how a mutation in the malaria parasite appears and spreads across East and Southern Africa. Researchers will use genome sequencing and lab tests to understand where the mutation came from, how it moves through populations, and how it might affect drug options. The work also includes checking how this mutation interacts with other drugs and what that means for treatment in people who travel or are stationed in Africa. Findings could help guide future treatment strategies and surveillance. The study is led by Brown University and collaborators in multiple African countries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could improve public health by guiding drug choices and monitoring to prevent treatment failures due to resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Comparable genomic and phenotypic studies have helped track resistance mutations in malaria, supporting this approach as informative.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fola, Abebe — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Fola, Abebe
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.