M5717+pyronaridine

Product development

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Patient exploratory

Merck KGaA/Shin Poong

Asexual blood stages

Transmission reduction

Chemoprevention

Uncomplicated malaria treatments and resistance management (TPP-1)

Product vision	Uncomplicated malaria treatment and resistance management Chemoprevention and potential for prophylaxis
MOA	M5717: P. falciparum EF2 inhibitor Pyronaridine: pleotropic effect including inhibition of hematin formation, and haem degradation. Interferes with the digestive system of the parasite by modifying food vacuoles
Key features	M5717: Long half-life and comparable activity across all stages of the malaria parasite lifecycle; transmission-blocking activity in a Standard Membrane Feeding Assay, and activity against hepatic schizonts Pyronaridine: is a combination partner in Pyramax (since 2012 EMA positive scientific opinion under art. 58), fast acting and long duration Positive interaction demonstrated in pre-clinical model on killing rate and resistance protection
Challenges	Dose and cost of goods Potential for resistance against M5717
Status	M5717: First-in-human study (blood-stage) volunteer infection study and (sporozoite) volunteer infection study completed
Next milestone	Initiate phase IIa combination study in patients with acute uncomplicated malaria
Previously	Discovery collaboration with the University of Dundee Drug Discovery Unit Names DDD107498; DDD498, MMV121
Project Director	Dr Cristina Donini