Using a new drug combination to fight malaria resistance

Hijacking Plasmodium ubiquitin-proteasome system to defeat drug resistance

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10878884

This study is testing a new drug called artezomib to see if it can help treat malaria, especially in young children, by working better against the malaria parasite that has become resistant to current medicines.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10878884 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel approach to combat malaria by targeting the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, which has developed resistance to current treatments. The study focuses on a new drug called artezomib (ATZ), which combines an artemisinin analogue with a proteasome inhibitor to enhance the effectiveness of existing malaria therapies. By understanding how this drug works at a cellular level, researchers aim to improve treatment outcomes for patients, particularly young children who are most affected by malaria. The research involves laboratory experiments to test the efficacy of ATZ against various strains of the parasite, including those resistant to standard treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who are diagnosed with malaria, particularly those with drug-resistant strains.

Not a fit: Patients with malaria who are not affected by drug resistance or who are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for malaria, reducing the disease's impact on young children and vulnerable populations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using proteasome inhibitors in combination with existing malaria treatments, indicating a potential for success with this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.