Rwanda Launches Africa's First Injectable Malaria Drug Trial
Rwanda has initiated the first trial in Africa for a long-acting injectable malaria drug, MMV371, developed by Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) in collaboration with Rinda Ubuzima. This Phase 1 study aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the drug in Rwandan adults and adolescents.
The injectable is designed to offer extended protection against malaria, potentially lasting around three months, based on earlier research in the United Kingdom. The World Health Organisation reported over 280 million malaria cases and 600,000 deaths globally in 2024, with a significant majority occurring in Africa.
The trial is crucial as malaria continues to pose a major public health challenge, exacerbated by drug resistance and climate change. Dr Martin Fitchet, CEO of MMV, emphasized the need for new prevention technologies to eliminate malaria, stating that long-acting injectables could transform malaria prevention efforts.
The collaboration also underscores the increasing role of African research institutions in developing malaria interventions.
Plus234Feed summary based on reporting from Leadership Newspaper. Read the original report below.
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