Novartis has announced a new malaria treatment called GanLum. The drug contains a novel molecule named ganaplacide that works in a different way from current antimalarials, so the parasite has no prior defence.
A late-stage trial included over 1,600 patients in 12 countries in sub‑Saharan Africa. Given as a sachet of granules once a day for three days, GanLum cured 97.4% of participants, compared with 94% for an existing treatment. Medicines for Malaria Venture said regulatory approvals could come in about 16 months, and the drug could be available on the market in 2027.
Difficult words
- drug — A substance used to treat illness.medicines
- effective — Works well to achieve desired result.
- malaria — A serious disease spread by mosquitoes.
- treating — To give care or medicine for an illness.treatments
- trial — A test to check the effectiveness of something.trials
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why is it important to have new treatments for malaria?
- How do you think GanLum will change malaria treatment?
- What are the benefits of clinical trials for new drugs?
Related articles
People with disabilities in Kenya and Nigeria faced hardship during COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people with disabilities in poor urban areas of Kenya and Nigeria had worse access to health care, lost income and faced higher costs. Researchers and advocates call for closer, accessible services and fair relief.
Glacial lakes and flood risk in the Hindu Kush‑Himalaya
The Hindu Kush‑Himalaya stores large freshwater in mountain glaciers. Warming has formed thousands of glacial lakes and raised the risk of sudden outburst floods; experts say better data sharing, observation and funding are needed but political and technical barriers remain.