Why some African malaria parasites respond differently to new antimalarial drugs
Mechanisms of varied sensitivity of P. falciparum field isolates to the antimalarial drug pipeline
This project looks at whether malaria parasites from Africa respond differently to new antimalarial drugs and searches for genetic signs of resistance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11134551 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers collect blood samples from people with malaria in Uganda and Burkina Faso and grow the parasites briefly outside the body to see how they react to new drug candidates. They pair those lab drug-response tests with high-throughput genetic sequencing to find mutations linked to poor drug response. By comparing fresh field isolates to laboratory strains, the team aims to capture real-world variation in drug sensitivity. Your sample could help identify emerging resistance and guide better drug combinations for your region.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people in malaria-endemic areas—especially in Uganda or Burkina Faso—with confirmed Plasmodium falciparum infection who can give a small blood sample before treatment.
Not a fit: People without P. falciparum infection, those with other malaria species, or anyone seeking immediate treatment benefit should not expect direct personal benefit from participating since the work focuses on lab testing of parasite samples.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help spot emerging drug resistance early and guide development and use of antimalarial combinations that stay effective for people in affected areas.
How similar studies have performed: Previous similar studies have successfully identified genetic markers of drug resistance in malaria parasites, so this approach builds on proven methods.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosenthal, Philip Jon — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Rosenthal, Philip Jon
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 below.