According to a new discovery, a protein which doubles up as a salt pump at the malaria parasite surface could pave the way for a new class of anti-malarial drugs.
Targets for New Anti-malaria Drugs Identified
Two parasite enzymes called peptidases have been validated as potential anti-malarial drug targets.
Two parasite enzymes called peptidases have been validated as potential anti-malarial drug targets.
"We believe the spiroindolones kill the parasite by causing a salt overload," added Spillman, the journal Cell Host and Microbe reports.
Spillman linked up with members of the spiroindolone-development team in Singapore (Novartis Institutes for Tropical Diseases) and the US (Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation).
Malaria Epidemic Claims 50 Lives In Assam
At least 50 people have died and up to 25,000 affected in a malaria epidemic in Assam, officials Tuesday said
At least 50 people have died and up to 25,000 affected in a malaria epidemic in Assam, officials Tuesday said
The malaria parasite is a single-celled organism that invades the red blood cells of its human host, killing more than a million people each year.
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One Child Dead, Over 100 Ill After Taking Malaria Drugs in China
One child died and more than 100 villagers fell ill in southwestern China after they took anti-malarial medicine, state media reported, in the latest product-safety scare.
One child died and more than 100 villagers fell ill in southwestern China after they took anti-malarial medicine, state media reported, in the latest product-safety scare.
RSB director Kiaran Kirk, senior study author, said: "The malaria parasite's salt pump would seem to be an Achilles heel for the parasite, particularly vulnerable to attack. Knowing this, we can now look for other drugs that block this pump."
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WHO Unveils New Guidelines for Malaria Treatment
The World Health Organisation unveiled Tuesday landmark new measures to counter the misuse of anti-malaria drugs, which is threatening attempts to stifle some 250 million cases a year of the disease.
The World Health Organisation unveiled Tuesday landmark new measures to counter the misuse of anti-malaria drugs, which is threatening attempts to stifle some 250 million cases a year of the disease.
