JOHANNESBURG: Scientists claim to have discovered a drug that could cure all strains of malaria with a single oral dose and also block transmission of the deadly parasite from person to person.

The compound from the aminopyridine class, code named MMV390048, shows potent activity against multiple points in the malaria parasite's lifecycle.

The drug is the first compound researched on African soil to enter preclinical development in partnership with Medicines for malairia venture (MMV), a not-for-profit public-private partnership, in Switzerland.

The synthetic molecule from the aminopyridine class, which has been described as novel and potent, not only has the potential to become a single-dose cure for malaria, but researchers are convinced that it could block transmission of the malaria parasite from person to person.

The aminopyridine series was initially identified by Griffith University scientists in Australia as part of MMV's extensive malaria screening campaign of around 6 million compounds.

A team of scientists from the University of Cape Town's (UCT) Drug Discovery and Development Centre (H3-D) in South Africa, led by Professor Kelly Chibale then scrutinised and explored the anti-malarial potential of the series further.

With parasitological and pharmacological support from the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute and Monash University, respectively, Kelly's team selected the most promising compounds from the series to be optimized and re-tested.

In just 18 months the team had identified and developed a candidate suitable for preclinical development.

"We are very excited that this promising compound, researched by African scientists, has been selected by MMV for further development," Chibale, Founder and Director, UCT H3-D, said.

"This is truly a proud day for African science and African scientists! Our team is hopeful that the compound will emerge from rigorous testing as an extremely effective medicine for malaria - a disease that accounts for 24 per cent of total child deaths in sub-Saharan Africa," Chibale said.

mkmyers45: This is real good news...hope the vaccines will be screened properly and they be effective...

Great Stride for Science...and also good to know its an african initiative

Obinoscopy:

Its not a vaccine but a tablet just like Fansidar. The only difference is that Fansidar is used mostly for preventive and is not effective against the multidrug resistant strains of the parasite while this new drug is curative is effective against the multidrug resistant strains.

mkmyers45:

It is said to prevent transmission...

Obinoscopy:

Not only vaccine can prevent transmission. Some drugs can also prevent transmission. For example Truvada, an antiretroviral drug, can prevent transmission of HIV between discordant couples or sex partners during sexual intercourse.
Antimalarials like Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (eg Fansidar) also prevents one from getting malaria.

Brand_new: A cure for H.I.V Aids has also been found...lmao!

Billyonaire: Am tired of hypocrisy against Africa. Why is there no vaccination against Malaria but there is vacation against H1N1.

murrufvcker

mkmyers45:

So its just some so isn't it acceptable to perceive it as a future vaccine?

Blisslife: This is great because malaria will kill people finish for nija

snthesis: wat are d side effects- short and long term

i prefer my agbo mixture

oyibomoses: Nigeria will never discover anything, only people ideas they always modify everybody is Oil Oil Oil, money money money, yeye

oyibomoses: Nigeria will never discover anything, only people ideas they always modify everybody is Oil Oil Oil, money money money, yeye

Obinoscopy:

Its not a vaccine but a tablet just like Fansidar. The only difference is that Fansidar is used mostly for preventive and is not effective against the multidrug resistant strains of the parasite while this new drug is curative is effective against the multidrug resistant strains.