Novartis has announced promising late-stage results for GanLum, a malaria treatment that contains a novel molecule called ganaplacide. Experts note the molecule’s novelty: it acts in a way unlike existing antimalarials, so the Plasmodium parasite has no prior exposure and therefore no established defence. Drug-resistant malaria, first observed in Cambodia in 2008 and more recently reported in countries such as Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania, has made new options urgent.
The trial enrolled over 1,600 patients across 12 countries in sub‑Saharan Africa. GanLum was given as a sachet of granules once a day for three days and cured 97.4% of participants, compared with 94% for an existing treatment. In addition to treating symptoms, the drug targets the parasite as it prepares to transmit to mosquitoes, a step that could reduce new infections and limit the spread of resistance.
Medicines for Malaria Venture developed the compound with Novartis and said regulatory approvals could come in around 16 months, with possible market availability in 2027. The compound was identified after a screening of 2.3 million molecules at Novartis labs in San Diego, done in collaboration with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Wellcome Trust and Medicines for Malaria Venture. Trial data were presented at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene meeting in Toronto, and several researchers described the results as an important advance.
Difficult words
- novel — new and different from what exists
- parasite — organism that lives in another organism
- resistance — ability of organisms to survive treatment
- sachet — small sealed packet for a single dose
- transmit — to pass disease or organism to another
- screening — testing many items to find useful ones
- compound — a substance made of two or more parts
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could a drug that reduces parasite transmission to mosquitoes affect efforts to stop malaria?
- What challenges might slow access to GanLum even after regulatory approval?
- Why is finding a molecule with no prior exposure to the parasite important for fighting drug resistance?
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