New malaria drug could help 8.5 million people
A new drug to treat malaria, which scientists have described as a “phenomenal achievement”, has been given the green light by authorities in the United States.
The medicine, tafenoquine, is specifically for the recurring form of malaria – caused by the parasite Plasmodium vivax – which makes 8.5 million people ill each year. This type of malaria can remain dormant in the liver for years before reawakening many times.
Marketed under the brand name Krintafel, the drug works by flushing the parasite out of the liver to prevent people relapsing from the disease. A drug – primaquine – to get rid of malaria in the liver already exists but unlike the single dose of tafenoquine needed, primaquine often needs to be taken for 14 days. Professor Ric Price, of Oxford University, told the BBC: “The ability to get rid of the parasite in the liver with a single dose of tafenoquine is a phenomenal achievement and it represents one of the most significant advances in malaria treatment in the last 60 years.”
Marketed under the brand name Krintafel, the drug works by flushing the parasite out of the liver to prevent people relapsing from the disease. A drug – primaquine – to get rid of malaria in the liver already exists but unlike the single dose of tafenoquine needed, primaquine often needs to be taken for 14 days. Professor Ric Price, of Oxford University, told the BBC: “The ability to get rid of the parasite in the liver with a single dose of tafenoquine is a phenomenal achievement and it represents one of the most significant advances in malaria treatment in the last 60 years.”
Marketed under the brand name Krintafel, the drug works by flushing the parasite out of the liver to prevent people relapsing from the disease. A drug – primaquine – to get rid of malaria in the liver already exists but unlike the single dose of tafenoquine needed, primaquine often needs to be taken for 14 days. Professor Ric Price, of Oxford University, told the BBC: “The ability to get rid of the parasite in the liver with a single dose of tafenoquine is a phenomenal achievement and it represents one of the most significant advances in malaria treatment in the last 60 years.”
Marketed under the brand name Krintafel, the drug works by flushing the parasite out of the liver to prevent people relapsing from the disease. A drug – primaquine – to get rid of malaria in the liver already exists but unlike the single dose of tafenoquine needed, primaquine often needs to be taken for 14 days. Professor Ric Price, of Oxford University, told the BBC: “The ability to get rid of the parasite in the liver with a single dose of tafenoquine is a phenomenal achievement and it represents one of the most significant advances in malaria treatment in the last 60 years.”
However, some experts urged caution as although the US Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of the drug, it has highlighted its side effects. These include severe anaemia, and should therefore not be taken by people with an enzyme problem called G6PD deficiency. At higher doses, it could also be problematic for people with mental health issues.
Recurring malaria is the most common type of the disease outside of sub-Saharan Africa. Children can be particularly at risk, getting weaker each time they relapse.
Dr Hal Barron, president of research and development at GlaxoSmith Kline, which makes the drug, said it was a significant milestone. “Together with Medicines for Malaria Venture, we believe Krintafel will contribute to the ongoing effort to eradicate this disease.”
Dr Hal Barron, president of research and development at GlaxoSmith Kline, which makes the drug, said it was a significant milestone. “Together with Medicines for Malaria Venture, we believe Krintafel will contribute to the ongoing effort to eradicate this disease.”
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