Understanding how malaria parasites in Africa become resistant to treatment
Official title: The genetic basis of emerging multidrug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum African malaria
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11053635 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genetic changes in malaria parasites might make them resistant to treatments, especially in East Africa, so that we can find better ways to help patients who are struggling with malaria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 11, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $650,983 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI182318-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11053635 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research are individuals living in East Africa who are affected by malaria, particularly those with treatment-resistant cases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in East Africa or who are not affected by malaria may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic factors that contribute to the development of multidrug resistance in malaria parasites, specifically focusing on Plasmodium falciparum in East Africa. By examining mutations in the K13 gene and other potential resistance pathways, the study aims to understand how these changes affect the effectiveness of current malaria treatments. Patients in affected regions may benefit from insights gained through this research, which could lead to improved treatment strategies. The approach includes genetic analysis and gene editing techniques to identify resistance mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective malaria treatments and better management of drug resistance in affected populations.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in identifying genetic mutations associated with drug resistance in malaria, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mok, Sachel — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Mok, Sachel
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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.