New study group launched to combat malaria drug resistance in Africa and beyond

MARC SE-Africa members Prof Karen Barnes, Prof Philippe Guerin, Dr Stephanie van Wyk, Dr Eulambius Mlugu, Dr Donnie Mategula and the University of Oxford’s Worldwide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN) launched the Correlation between Kelch13 and Clinical Phenotype Study Group to advance our understanding of malaria resistance. First launched in January 2024, this study group is well on their way to combining globally generated data to gain superior insight on the matter.

This study group opens its doors to malaria researchers around the globe, joining forces to tackle antimalarial drug resistance, a shared threat to malaria control. More specifically, they will focus on exploring the correlation between mutations in a gene region of the Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite, called Kelch13 (K13), and the growing resistance to the artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). This gene represents the blueprint the parasite uses to interact with medication. Mutations within this K13 blueprint can significantly alter how the parasite metabolizes these medications and therefore can potentially reduce its potency. Currently, there is limited evidence on the impact of K13 mutations and the loss of ACT treatment efficacy in Africa. Building on prior research findings generated in 2019, this study group seeks to update what is known and targets critical gaps in how K13 mutations in the malaria parasite affect treatment outcomes, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where malaria impact is highest.

This study further aims to update the categorization of K13 genetic markers used to monitor the genetic components that may drive resistance to malaria medication and set a new standard in molecular surveillance initiatives. Through a pioneering meta-analysis of individual patient data, this study group will explore the global distribution, prevalence, and functional impact of these mutations. This effort is designed to optimize malaria treatment strategies and create a model for future studies, paving the way for innovative, reproducible research on antimalarial resistance worldwide.

More information on the study group is available here.