GanLum is a new malaria treatment that has shown significant promise in clinical trials. It uses a new molecule called ganaplacide. This molecule is different from any current malaria treatments, meaning the malaria parasite has not encountered it before. As a result, the drug can effectively treat patients, even those with drug-resistant malaria.
The trials involved over 1,600 patients across 12 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. GanLum proved to cure about 97.4% of patients, which is higher than existing treatments. Additionally, it targets malaria in a way that helps prevent transmission to mosquitoes, breaking the cycle of infection.
If regulatory approvals proceed smoothly, GanLum could be available for public use by 2027. This new treatment represents a hopeful advance against the growing threat of malaria drug resistance.
Difficult words
- treatment — A way to help someone who is sick.treat, treatments
- promise — A belief that something will be successful.
- patient — A person receiving medical care.patients
- transmission — The act of passing something on.
- resistance — Ability to fight against something harmful.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What do you think about new malaria treatments?
- How important is it to prevent disease transmission?
- What challenges might GanLum face before it is approved?
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