MMV selects UCT developed anti-malaria molecule for clinical trials

The compound is expected to cure all strains of malaria and stop the transmission of the parasite from person to person as a single-dose malaria cure.

The new compound, which is part of the aminopyridine class, has been discovered by Drug Discovery and Development Centre (H3-D)at University of Cape Town (UCT).

South African Minister of science and technology Naledi Pandor said, "This is evidence of the world-class science being done in South Africa and the continent, and of the power of continental and international scientific collaboration in the multidisciplinary approaches that are essential in addressing the societal challenges."

UCT vice-chancellor Max Price said H3-D was founded at UCT in 2010 to develop Africa towards solving the health problems that beset the developing world.

H3-D identified molecule, MMV390048 has been chosen in July 2012 by MMV’s Expert Scientific Advisory Committee for further enhancement, which has shown potent activity against multiple points in the malaria parasite’s lifecycle.

H3-D founder and director Chibale said the team is hopeful that the compound will emerge from testing as a medicine for malaria, which accounts for 24% of total child deaths in sub-Saharan Africa.

”What is more, H3-D and MMV achieved MMV390048 as a clinical candidate in record time," Chibale added.

MMV chief scientific officer Tim Wells said, ”We look forward to seeing more exciting compounds emerge from Kelly’s team and are proud to be collaborating with H3-D; not only is it conducting excellent science today, but it is also providing world-class training for the next generation of African scientists."

The new compound helped to cure malaria parasites in all the affected animals, according to UCT.