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Phase 1 Trial Launched for Long-Acting Injectable Malaria Preventive MMV371

• Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) and Quotient Sciences have initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial for MMV371, a long-acting injectable malaria preventive. • The trial, conducted in healthy volunteers in the UK, will assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of the single-dose intramuscular injection. • MMV371, a derivative of atovaquone, aims to provide up to three months of protection against both Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites. • If successful, MMV371 could offer an affordable and accessible solution, particularly beneficial for young children at high risk of malaria infection.

Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) and Quotient Sciences have announced the commencement of a Phase 1 clinical trial for MMV371, a long-acting injectable (LAI) compound designed to prevent malaria. The trial, currently underway in healthy volunteers in Nottingham, UK, represents a significant advancement in the development of novel tools to combat malaria, especially in regions with elevated transmission rates.

MMV371: A Potential Game-Changer in Malaria Prevention

MMV371, derived from atovaquone, is being developed as a single-dose intramuscular injection intended to provide up to three months of protection against malaria. The ongoing Phase 1 trial is primarily focused on evaluating the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profile of the drug in healthy individuals.
According to Dr. Stephan Chalon, Vice President of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology at MMV, "This trial brings us closer to our goal of offering a long-lasting, affordable solution for malaria prevention."

Broad-Spectrum Protection and Asymptomatic Infection Clearance

If the trial proves successful, MMV371 could become a valuable asset in the malaria prevention arsenal, offering protection against both Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum, the two most prevalent malaria parasites globally. Furthermore, the LAI formulation has the potential to clear asymptomatic infections, a critical factor in reducing malaria transmission rates within communities.
Dr. Nand Singh, Medical Director at Quotient Sciences, stated, "We are pleased to support MMV with the clinical development of the antimalarial drug MMV371... This project will provide the scientific evidence for the potential development of long-acting injectable anti-malarial treatment."

Accessibility and Affordability

The long-acting injectable is being developed with a focus on affordability and accessibility, making it suitable for widespread use, particularly among vulnerable populations such as young children who face a disproportionately high risk of malaria infection and mortality.
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Reference News

[1]
MMV And Quotient Sciences Initiate Clinical Trial For Long-Acting Malaria Preventive
contractpharma.com · Oct 28, 2024

MMV and Quotient Sciences have initiated a Phase 1 trial for MMV371, a long-acting injectable malaria preventive, in Not...

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