University of Dundee’s Cabamiquine Shows Promise for Single-Dose Malaria Treatment
Researchers at the University of Dundee have reported encouraging clinical results for cabamiquine, a novel antimalarial compound being developed as a potential single-dose treatment for malaria.
Discovered by scientists at the university’s Drug Discovery Unit with support from Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), cabamiquine was evaluated in combination with pyronaridine in a Phase II clinical trial involving adults and adolescents in Africa.
The study showed that the combination had a promising benefit-risk profile, supporting its continued development in larger clinical trials and future studies involving children.
Cabamiquine’s potential single-dose administration could help simplify malaria treatment, particularly in regions where access to healthcare services can be challenging.
A shorter treatment regimen may also support better adherence and improve the practical delivery of malaria care.
Malaria remains a major global health challenge, with an estimated 282 million cases and 610,000 deaths recorded in 2024.
Increasing resistance to existing antimalarial medicines has strengthened the need for new treatment and prevention strategies.
The trial was conducted by Merck through the PAMAfrica consortium and co-funded by the EDCTP2 Programme, with support from the European Union and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.
MMV plans to advance cabamiquine-pyronaridine towards further clinical development.
