What are the health needs and challenges?

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. It is estimated that in 2012, malaria caused over 627,000 deaths, mostly among African children. Cerebral malaria occurs in approximately 10% of malaria cases and is associated with a 25-50% mortality within 24-48 hours.

Chloroquine, an agent used in the treatment of malaria for several decades has become less effective, and in some areas chloroquine resistant parasites have climbed to 90% of cases. Resistance to the newer agent artemisinin has also been described. Given the widespread prevalence of malaria and the resistance observed with available drugs, the availability of newer agents for its treatment is extremely urgent.

Partnership activities and how they address needs and challenges

Eisai’s ER-820446 is a promising compound for the treatment of cerebral malaria. A selective inhibitor of Toll Like Receptor 9 (TLR9) signaling, ER-820446 has in some models significantly reducedmortality due to cerebral malaria. Pre-clinical development activities have been initiated in conjunction with researchers at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation in Brazil and the University of Massachusetts in the USA.

The partnership frequently reviews the progress of the research and considers options for addressing any challenges.