Why the malaria drug piperaquine can stop working
Elucidating the molecular basis of piperaquine resistance in Plasmodium falciparum
Researchers are looking for genetic changes in malaria parasites that make piperaquine less effective so treatments and prevention better protect people, especially young children in Africa.
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 ID | NIH-11239785 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As someone affected by malaria, you should know scientists are studying parasites from Africa to find mutations and gene changes that cause piperaquine resistance. They will use laboratory methods such as gene editing and overexpression to test whether specific mutations and extra copies of plasmepsin genes let parasites survive the drug. The team will compare African parasite lines to parasites from Southeast Asia where piperaquine resistance has already caused treatment failures. Findings will help guide which drug combinations and prevention approaches are safest for children and pregnant women.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People in malaria-endemic African communities who recently had Plasmodium falciparum infections could be asked to provide parasite samples for this research.
Not a fit: People without P. falciparum infection, those outside endemic regions, or anyone needing immediate medical treatment are unlikely to get direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help preserve piperaquine's effectiveness and guide safer treatment and prevention choices that reduce child deaths.
How similar studies have performed: Similar studies in Southeast Asia have linked PfCRT mutations and plasmepsin amplifications to piperaquine resistance, so this work builds on prior findings.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fidock, David a — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Fidock, David a
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.