What is the Novartis drug GanLum and how effective is it?

GanLum, Novartis' experimental malaria drug, has shown a cure rate of over 97% in a study across 12 African countries, slightly higher than the current standard treatment.

How can a single-dose malaria treatment help combat drug resistance?

A study found that a one-time treatment combining four widely available malaria drugs was as effective as the standard three-day course, which could encourage patients to complete the full treatment and prevent the parasite from developing further resistance.

How is the malaria parasite's ability to adapt a challenge for medical efforts?

Experts warn that the malaria parasite has repeatedly developed resistance to new drugs over time, posing a serious threat and potentially reversing the progress made in reducing global malaria deaths in recent years.

Home / Health / Malaria Fighters Unveil Promising New Treatments to Tackle Drug Resistance

Malaria Fighters Unveil Promising New Treatments to Tackle Drug Resistance

13 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Novartis' experimental drug GanLum shows over 97% cure rate
Single-dose treatment combining 4 malaria drugs proves effective
Malaria parasite developing resistance to existing medications

Malaria Fighters Unveil Promising New Treatments to Tackle Drug Resistance

In a significant development in the fight against malaria, researchers have unveiled two promising new treatments to tackle the growing resistance of the disease-causing parasite to existing medications.

A study conducted by Novartis in 12 African countries found that their experimental drug, GanLum, achieved a cure rate of better than 97% - slightly higher than the current standard artemisinin-based treatment. GanLum is a combination of a new drug, ganaplacide, and an existing long-acting medication, lumefantrine. Novartis is now working towards regulatory approvals, with the goal of making GanLum available to patients within the next 18 months.