New malaria drug KLU156 shows strong promise in African trial

Malaria treatment may rival artemisinin therapies

A new chapter in malaria treatment

For over two decades, global malaria treatment has relied heavily on artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs).

These treatments, combining fast-acting and long-lasting drugs, have been effective in controlling the disease.

But in recent years, the malaria parasite has started to develop resistance to these therapies. With drug resistance on the rise, researchers around the world have been searching for new tools to keep malaria in check.

KLU156 shows strong results in African trials

In a large-scale clinical trial across 12 African countries, KLU156 was tested on over 1,600 patients. According to data presented at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene,

99.2% of those treated with the new combination were cured, compared to 96.7% for patients treated with Coartem, the world’s most widely used ACT. This marks a major development in malaria research, especially as Africa recorded an estimated 246 million cases and over half a million deaths in 2023, mostly among children reports the publication Science.

A different origin, a new mode of attack

Science notes that, unlike artemisinin—which was derived from a traditional Chinese medicinal plant—the core compound in KLU156, ganaplacide, was developed synthetically by Novartis researchers after screening more than 2 million compounds.

Ganaplacide appears to interfere with protein synthesis in malaria parasites, though the exact mechanism is still under investigation.

When paired with lumefantrine, the combination not only cleared parasites effectively but also showed potential to reduce malaria transmission by killing gametocytes more rapidly, according to Columbia University’s David Fidock.

Resistance concerns and rollout dilemmas

KLU156 could help delay or prevent resistance to existing treatments. It showed greater efficacy in clearing parasites with the K13 mutation, which is associated with artemisinin resistance, Science notes.

However, rollout strategies remain contentious. Experts warn that if the drug is held in reserve too long, resistance to lumefantrine—used in both KLU156 and Coartem—may develop first.

According to Fitsum Tadesse of the Armauer Hansen Research Institute, urgent and careful deployment in high-resistance areas might help preserve both treatments’ effectiveness.

What we’ve learned so far

This new development represents more than just another drug—it’s a strategic pivot in malaria control. KLU156 has matched, and in some ways surpassed, existing ACTs in efficacy, especially against resistant strains.

It also offers a different mechanism of action, potentially reducing transmission. Still, challenges such as taste-related side effects and treatment dropouts, especially early in the trial, show that further refinement and rollout planning are essential before global use.

A cautious path forward

The emergence of KLU156 signals hope in the ongoing battle against malaria, but also a need for caution. As history has shown, overuse and slow adaptation can undermine even the best treatments.

The future of malaria control may now rest not just on scientific breakthroughs, but also on the global health community’s ability to act strategically, equitably, and in time to protect the most vulnerable populations.

This article is made and published by August M, who may have used AI in the preparation