What is the new anti-malaria drug GanLum developed by Novartis?

GanLum is a combination of a new drug called ganaplacide and an existing long-acting medication, lumefantrine. In clinical trials, GanLum showed a cure rate of over 97% against malaria, including against drug-resistant parasites.

How does the single-dose malaria treatment work?

Researchers tested a one-time treatment that combines four widely available antimalarial drugs - an artemisinin, pyronaridine, sulfadoxine, and pyrimethamine. This approach aims to improve patient compliance and curb the development of drug resistance.

What are the concerns raised by malaria experts regarding the fight against the disease?

Experts warn that the malaria parasite is developing resistance to existing drugs, and the situation is becoming increasingly concerning. They also note that declining funding from the US and other sources could impact the ability to monitor resistance and provide prevention and treatment to those in need.

Home / Health / Novartis Unveils GanLum, a Next-Gen Anti-Malaria Drug Offering Hope Against Resistance

Novartis Unveils GanLum, a Next-Gen Anti-Malaria Drug Offering Hope Against Resistance

13 Nov

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Summary

Novartis' experimental drug GanLum shows over 97% cure rate in African trials
Researchers test single-dose malaria treatment combining 4 drugs for easier compliance
Experts warn of growing parasite resistance, call for action as funding declines

In a significant development in the fight against malaria, researchers have reported two promising new approaches to counter the growing resistance to existing medications. Novartis, a Swiss-based pharmaceutical company, has released results of a study on its experimental drug, GanLum, which it calls a "next-generation treatment."

The study, conducted across 12 African countries, found that GanLum, a combination of a new drug called ganaplacide and an existing long-acting medication, lumefantrine, has a cure rate of better than 97%. This is slightly higher than the common artemisinin-based treatments currently used. Importantly, GanLum also proved highly effective against mutant malaria parasites that have developed partial resistance to existing drugs.

Separately, another team of researchers reported that a single-dose treatment combining four widely available malaria drugs was found to be an effective cure in a West African experiment. This approach aims to address the challenge of patients failing to complete the standard three-day treatment course, which can contribute to the development of drug resistance.