Understanding how tafenoquine works in children to prevent malaria relapse
Official title: Characterising the pharmacokinetics of tafenoquine for Plasmodium vivax radical cure in children ≥12 kg and >28 days old
Funded at University of Oxford · NIH-11258574 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A pediatric study in the US and other settings will check how tafenoquine behaves in the body to prevent relapses of malaria in kids over 28 days old and at least 12 kg.
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 | August 5, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $524,810 |
| NIH project number | 1U01AI195203-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11258574 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are children who are ≥28 days old and weigh at least 12 kg who are at risk for P. vivax malaria relapse and can be enrolled in sites with malaria pharmacology expertise.
✕Less likely to help
Young children under 28 days old or those who cannot take tafenoquine due to health reasons may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how a single-dose antimalarial medicine moves through and exits a child’s body to prevent liver relapses of Plasmodium vivax malaria. Researchers will analyze pharmacokinetics in children aged from a little over a month to several years, focusing on safe dosing and how age or weight affects drug levels. The study builds on prior pediatric data and aims to optimize a simpler, single-dose regimen for kids who are at risk of relapse. By understanding how tafenoquine works in children, clinicians can improve relapse prevention and keep kids healthier and in school.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, children at risk of P. vivax relapse could receive a safer, easier-to-dose treatment that reduces hospital visits and improves growth and development.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pediatric pharmacokinetic work suggests feasibility; this study extends knowledge to a broader pediatric age and weight range.
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.