WANECAM3

Single dose cure of falciparum malaria using next generation combinations

01/06/2026 to 31/05/2031

Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), accounting for approximately 263 million global malaria cases and 95% of malaria-related deaths in 2023. The increasing emergence of partial artemisinin resistance markers and poor adherence to current multi-day antimalarial regimens necessitate the development of novel, effective, and accessible treatments. WANECAM3 aims to address this challenge by developing a single-dose cure for uncomplicated falciparum malaria using next-generation, non-artemisinin drug combinations. Building on the successes of WANECAM and WANECAM2, the WANECAM3 consortium, supported by new clinical trial partners, will conduct Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials across SSA countries (Mali, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia). The trials will evaluate the safety, efficacy, and transmission-blocking properties of novel drug combinations (KAE609, INE963, MMV533) in both adult and pediatric populations, with the ultimate goal of achieving a single-dose cure. An innovative trial platform study design will accelerate drug development by enabling adaptive trial methodologies to identify optimal treatment regimens. The project includes generating clinical data to support the progression of a promising single-dose combination therapy towards regulatory approval. Additionally, WANECAM3 will strengthen research capacity in SSA by expanding clinical trial infrastructure, training researchers and healthcare professionals, and fostering long-term expertise in antimalarial drug development and resistance surveillance. Beyond clinical impact, WANECAM3 will work closely with national and regional regulatory bodies to facilitate the rapid adoption of next-generation treatments. The introduction of a single-dose regimen has the potential to improve adherence, reduce transmission, and ease the burden on already strained health systems, ultimately accelerating progress towards malaria elimination in SSA and globally.