New chemical compound shows promising results against drug-resistant malaria parasites

The new chemical compound ACT-451840 is highly effective against most deadly malaria parasites in humans. It is also active against those parasites that have developed resistance against the standard therapies. The findings, published today in the journal PLOS Medicine, come from the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) in collaboration with partners from industry and academia. Treating malaria is a global challenge. Resistance against artemisinin-based combination therapies has recently been detected in Southeast Asia, threatening the impact of standard therapies on malaria. Developing new and highly efficient antimalarials is, therefore, badly needed. The new chemical compound ACT-451840 could be a new and effective weapon in the fight against the disease.