In this trial, taking place in Thailand, patients are treated for three days with DB289, as a single therapy or in combination with the drug artesunate. Trial patients are tested for clearance of the malaria parasite at the end of treatment and at four weeks post treatment.
The company believes that the low toxicity exhibited in the previous clinical and animal trials will support the use of DB289 to safely treat malaria in pregnant and lactating women as well as infants and young children.
Africa has 25 million pregnant women yearly who are susceptible to malaria. Malaria infection during pregnancy can cause anemia in the mother and is frequently associated with low birth weight, premature delivery, and reduction of the survival rate of newborns.
In addition to the impact of malaria on the health of pregnant mothers and babies, malaria creates a significant burden on the healthcare systems in Africa and other malaria-endemic areas.
“We are very excited that DB289 is being developed to treat three diseases that include malaria, African sleeping sickness (Phase III trial is in progress), and Pneumocystis pneumonia (Phase III trial planned),” commented Steve Thompson, president & CEO. “Immtech is proud to develop drugs that could have profound, sustainable positive changes in the global community.”