New discovery paves the way for novel malaria therapies

The increasing resistance of malaria parasites to existing drugs represents a threat to the progress made so far to control the disease. Recently, scientists from The Australian National University (ANU) found that the protein PfCRT, which is vital to drug resistance, can itself be a promising drug target.

The discovery opens the door for new therapies. By blocking the protein, researchers aim to restore the effects of antimalarial medicines. Malaria is one of the oldest and deadliest diseases of humankind. To make malaria elimination a reality, investments in science and innovation are crucial, as WHO and the Lancet Commission already emphasized in their reports.

To learn more, read the full study at Nature Communication or visit the website of the Australian National University.