Innovative Transformative CURE for MALaria: Rapid-Action Combinations to Replace Artemisinins

CUREMAL project aims to address the urgent need for new malaria treatments due to the increasing resistance to current therapies. Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where it causes the majority of malaria-related deaths. The project focuses on developing GSK701, a novel antimalarial compound with a unique mechanism of action, showing no cross-resistance with existing drugs and potential for a single-dose cure.The partners will conduct two clinical trials to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of GSK701 in combination with pyronaridine. These trials will be carried out in malaria-endemic regions from Gabon, Tanzania, Uganda and Mozambique, targeting vulnerable populations, including children and adolescents. The trials will also involve detailed molecular surveillance to understand the effectiveness of the new treatment and monitor resistance patterns.Key objectives include assessing the safety and tolerability of various dosing regimens, evaluating the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship, and identifying genetic variants associated with resistance. The project will also focus on building capacity in African research centres for conducting clinical trials and genetic surveillance. The expected outcomes include progressing GSK701 through development stages, enhancing molecular surveillance of antimalarial resistance, and fostering global and intra-African collaborations. The project aims to contribute to malaria control and elimination efforts, improve treatment adherence with simplified regimens, and support the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals related to health.By leveraging multidisciplinary expertise, cutting-edge technology and partners´ in-kind resources, CUREMAL seeks to make a significant impact on public health, providing a robust solution to the growing challenge of antimalarial resistance and advancing towards the ultimate goal of malaria eradication.