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El Samuels: MBN360
Scientists have made significant strides in the fight against malaria, unveiling two promising new treatments that could combat the growing threat of drug resistance. Novartis’ experimental drug, GanLum, has shown a remarkable cure rate of over 97% in clinical trials across 12 African countries, outperforming existing artemisinin-based treatments.
GanLum combines a novel compound, ganaplacide, with the established medication lumefantrine, and is designed to block the spread of malaria parasites. This breakthrough treatment is expected to be available within the next 18 months, pending regulatory approvals.
The new treatments address a pressing concern: malaria parasites are developing resistance to existing drugs, threatening to undermine global efforts to control the disease. GanLum’s high efficacy and ability to target mutant parasites offer hope for improved treatment options. Notably, the treatment achieved a cure rate of 97.4%, surpassing the 94% efficacy of current artemisinin-based treatments.
Additionally, researchers are exploring a single-dose combination of four widely available malaria drugs, showing promising results in West Africa. These advancements come as malaria cases and deaths continue to rise in some parts of the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where children under 5 are disproportionately affected. The World Health Organization emphasizes the urgent need for innovative solutions to combat drug resistance and ensure effective treatment.
