Although malaria is now almost unheard of in developed nations, it continues to ravage poor countries. According to United Nations, it affects around 200 million per year. In Africa, where some of the biggest concentrations of cases can be found, at least 600,000 people die from it, most of them children.
Malaria, a disease caused by a bite from Anopheles mosquito that carries the Plasmodium protozoa, is certainly a common disease, and one of the best ways to beat it is through oral medication. However, more people are becoming resistant to the drugs, which means that a new class or mode of treatment should be made available.
Fortunately there are hardworking scientists working. These include Scottish researchers from Dundee University who have been trying to find a compound that can effectively kill the parasite. Working since 2009, they have already tested more than 4,000 of them until they discovered DDD107498, a type of compound against malaria that can prevent the protozoa from enacting in the body by preventing it from producing proteins. Because of its unique ability, it also can work on patients who have become resistant to anti-malaria drugs.
If that isn't enough good news, once this goes mainstream, it shall cost only a dollar per treatment, making it more affordable for countries that need it the most.
Based on the estimates of the researchers, it may take a few years before this will arrive in the market, but they are doing everything they can to speed up the process.
Merck KGaA in Germany has already obtained the rights to further develop and research the compound. They will also be the ones in charge of conducting a series of clinical trials to prove the drug's safety and effectiveness. And if the results are what they're looking for, they will also mass-produce and sell the medications.