New compound offers malaria cure in 48 hours
A promising new anti-malarial compound tricks the immune system to rapidly destroy red blood cells infected with the malaria parasite without damaging healthy cells, a new study has found.
Researchers determined that the compound (+)-SJ733 uses a novel mechanism to kill the parasite by recruiting the immune system to eliminate malaria-infected red blood cells. In a mouse model of malaria, a single dose of (+)-SJ733 killed 80% of malaria parasites within 24 hours. After 48 hours the parasite was undetectable. Planning has begun for safety trials of the compound in healthy adults, researchers said.
Laboratory evidence suggests that the compound’s speed and mode of action work together to slow and suppress development of drug-resistant parasites. “Our goal is to develop an affordable, fast-acting combination therapy that cures malaria with a single dose,” said corresponding author R Kiplin Guy, from the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the United States.
Whole genome sequencing of the Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest of the malaria parasites, showed that (+)-SJ733 disrupted activity of the ATP4 protein in the parasites. The protein functions as a pump that the parasites depend on to maintain the proper sodium balance by removing excess sodium.
Investigators used the laboratory technique to determine the makeup of the DNA molecule in different strains of the malaria parasite. “This rapid clearance response depends on the presence of both the parasite and the investigational drug. That is important because it leaves uninfected red blood cells unharmed,” said Joseph DeRisi, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator. Laboratory evidence also suggests the mechanism will suppress development of drug-resistant strains of the parasite.
Source: Free Malaysia Today
Published: 09 Dec 2014
Category: Features, Technology & Devices
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
