M5717

Merck KGaA

Legend
Product vision

  • Part of single-exposure treatment of uncomplicated malaria

  • Potential for chemoprotection
MoA

  • P. falciparum EF2 inhibitor novel mechanism of action
Key features

  • Comparable activity across all stages of the malaria parasite lifecycle 

  • Predicted dose to give coverage above Minimal Parasiticidal Concentration for >8 days is 500mg 

  • Excellent transmission-blocking activity in a Standard Membrane Feeding Assay
Challenges

  • Reversible Grade 1 phototoxicity in rat: potential risk for repeat exposure in children (currently under assessment)
Status

  • First-in-human study and volunteer infection study ongoing
Next milestone

  • Complete Phase I studies and move into patients with combination product
Previously
  • Names DDD107498; DDD498, MMV121; Discovery collaboration with the University of Dundee Drug Discovery Unit
MMV Project Director

  • Dr Cristina Donini