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The drug, named ‘Plasquin,’ is the first malaria treatment developed in
Africa, specifically in Tanzania. Photo: File
By Adonis Byemelwa
Researchers at the Nelson Mandela
African Institute of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) have made a
groundbreaking discovery—a non-chemical treatment for malaria. Collaborating
with experts from the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and institutions
in South Africa, the Tanzanian team unveiled this innovative solution in late
July 2024, following three years of intensive research.
This new malaria treatment, the first
of its kind approved in 60 years, has already gained approval in the United
States. It targets a recurrent form of malaria that affects approximately 8.5
million people annually.
The parasite responsible for this
disease has a unique ability to hide in the liver, attacking its host
repeatedly over time. This makes it particularly dangerous, as the parasite can
remain dormant in the liver for years before reemerging and causing repeated
infections.
Scientists are hailing the treatment,
known as tafenoquine, as a " breakthrough." Recurrent malaria, caused
by the Plasmodium vivax parasite, is especially prevalent outside
sub-Saharan Africa. It poses a significant threat to children, who may suffer
multiple bouts of malaria after just one mosquito bite.
These repeated infections can cause
prolonged illness, leading to missed schooling and severe health deterioration.
Infected individuals can also serve as reservoirs for the parasite, spreading
it to others through mosquito bites.
Despite the challenges, there is
considerable hope that this new treatment, when combined with mosquito nets and
other preventive measures, could significantly reduce the global incidence of Plasmodium
vivax malaria.
Professor Ric Price of Oxford University
described the ability to eliminate the parasite from the liver with a single
dose of tafenoquine as one of the most significant advances in malaria
treatment in the past 60 years.
The drug, named ‘Plasquin,’ is the
first malaria treatment developed in Africa, specifically in Tanzania. It
becomes the second globally after the R21 vaccine, developed by researchers
from Oxford University and Burkina Faso and announced by the Gavi Alliance last
year.
This discovery comes at a time when
malaria cases are on the rise. Speaking at the 2024 Malaria Symposium on April
30, Tanzania’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Tumaini Nagu, revealed that
malaria cases have increased over the past year.
In Zanzibar, for example, cases rose
from 4,000 in 2022 to 19,000 in 2023, with 80% of the cases reported in the
Urban West Region. On the Tanzanian mainland, cases increased from 3,478,875 in
2022 to 3,534,523 in 2023, representing a 1.6% increase. Malaria-related deaths
also surged from 1,430 in 2022 to 1,954 in 2023.
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| Some equipment at the LABIOFAM anti-malaria larvicide factory in Kibaha, Pwani Region. Photo: Courtesy |
On Friday, (August 9), at the
Nanenane agricultural exhibition in Arusha, NM-AIST researcher Dr. Daniel
Shadrack provided insights into the breakthrough. He explained that the new
treatment was derived from extensive research on medicinal plants traditionally
used to treat malaria. One of these plants, Sindelela ondorata, showed
significant promise in combating the disease.
"We discovered that this plant
indeed has strong anti-malarial properties," Dr. Shadrack stated. "We
then began refining it into a tablet form that meets acceptable standards.
We've succeeded, and we expect this will be a major asset in Africa’s fight
against malaria."
While the malaria vaccine remains a
work in progress, Dr. Shadrack emphasized the importance of this new treatment.
"We haven’t made significant strides with the vaccine, but this treatment
is a major advance. It has the potential to both treat and prevent
malaria."
The development process is now in its
third year, with researchers preparing for human trials. "We can’t say
exactly when the trials will begin, but they are imminent," Dr. Shadrack
said. Initial results from those who have taken the tablets show that two doses
every three hours effectively combat malaria.
Hospital trials will determine the
precise dosage and duration of treatment. Dr. Shadrack noted that unlike other
treatments developed abroad, this one is entirely natural, derived from local
plants, and free of harmful side effects, yet highly effective.
NM-AIST Vice Chancellor, Professor
Maulilio Kipanyula, expressed optimism about the new treatment, stating that it
will soon be presented to relevant drug authorities for approval. "We
believe this plant-based treatment will be a powerful weapon against malaria,
potentially saving thousands of lives across Africa and beyond," he said.
Speaking at the exhibition, Manyara
Regional Commissioner, Queen Sendiga, urged the researchers to expedite the
approval process for this treatment, which she described as a crucial tool in
the fight against malaria.