Possible cure for malaria

A possible single-dose cure for malaria has just been discovered by the University of Cape Town’s Drug Discovery and Development Centre (H3-D).
This is according to a joint press statement released on Tuesday by the Department of Science and Technology, UCT, H3-D and MMV, Switzerland (Medicines for Malaria Venture).
The initial identification of the antimalarial potential of the aminopyridine series was made by Griffith University scientists in Australia before further research was done in a joint research venture between MMV and H3-D’s team of scientists, led by UCT Professor Kelly Chibale. In just 18 months the team identified the compound which is now suitable for preclinical development, a first for research on African soil.
H3-D identified the molecule, code named MMV390048, which shows potent activity against multiple points in the malaria parasite’s lifecycle.  Not only may malaria be cured from a single dosage of this compound, but it may also be able to block transmission of the parasite from one person to another.
Studies on animals already showed a complete cure after a single oral dosage.
The clinical candidate is said to enter clinical trials during the latter half of 2013.