Scientists unite to fight malaria

Einstein’s Professor of biochemistry, Vern Schramm and Peter Tyler from Industrial Research have now worked together developing drugs for over a decade. This latest project builds on their Immucillin-H compound which has shown huge potential for the treatment of T-cell cancer and auto-immune diseases.

Developments for the anti-malarial drug take off this month with backing of US$2 million from the Medicine for Malaria Venture (MMV) – a non-profit organisation set up specifically to support the development of malarial treatments. The MMV has recently received a massive boost to its funds, thanks to US$150 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

None of the world’s existing malarial treatments have made a big enough impact to stop millions still dying from malaria – predominantly in Africa where pregnant women and children under five are the main victims.

Malaria in humans is caused by a protozoan parasite called Plasmodium falciparum – largely spread by a particular species of tropical mosquito.

Scientists from Einstein are working on the fact that these parasites do not have the ability to make their own purines (an important component of DNA).

Vern Schramm says this knowledge is an important aspect, leading them to target their drug towards blocking DNA synthesis in the parasite without harming good cells.

Essentially it put them onto the path of killing the parasite with the eventual aim of curing malaria.

“We have an indication that with one of our antimalaria drugs, it might be possible to have one pill a month as a prevention for malaria.“

Vern Schramm says his motivation in developing an anti-malarial drug is a humanitarian one, as opposed to just making money. He says that is why it is important to build simpler compounds so that the end drug is easy to manufacture and will be available at a low cost.

While the first two years of funding will progress developments, Vern Schramm is hopeful that the United States’ National Institute of Health will step in with further funding to take the drug through to human clinical trials.