Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) and Quotient Sciences have announced the initiation of a Phase 1 clinical trial for MMV371, a long-acting injectable (LAI) preventive compound for malaria. The trial, conducted in healthy volunteers in Nottingham, UK, marks a significant step towards a new tool to combat malaria, particularly in regions with high transmission rates.
 
MMV371, a derivative of atovaquone, is being developed as a single-dose intramuscular injection that could provide up to three months of protection against malaria. The current trial aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of the drug.
 
“This trial brings us closer to our goal of offering a long-lasting, affordable solution for malaria prevention,” said Dr Stephan Chalon, Vice President of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology at MMV.
 
If successful, MMV371 could be a valuable addition to the malaria prevention toolkit, offering protection against both Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum, the two most prevalent malaria parasites. Additionally, the LAI has the potential to clear asymptomatic infections, a key factor in malaria transmission.
 
Dr. Nand Singh, Medical Director at Quotient Sciences, said, “We are pleased to support MMV with the clinical development of the antimalarial drug MMV371. The potential to help protect against P. vivax and P. falciparum strains and help save human lives is something that we are proud to be part of. This project will provide the scientific evidence for the potential development of long-acting injectable anti-malarial treatment.”
 
The LAI is designed to be affordable and accessible, making it suitable for a wide range of populations, particularly young children who are at high risk of malaria infection and death.