Novartis' antimalarial compound KAF156 is 'potential gamechanger'

A new antimalarial compound from Swiss pharma giant Novartis (NOVN:VX) is ‘a potential game-changing therapy’ against the disease, according to the results of a new study.

The Phase IIb proof of concept studies, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, show that KAF156 demonstrated activity against both vivax and falciparum malaria, including artemisinin-resistant parasites.

It is hoped the compound could help address the issue of rising resistance to artemisnin-based combination therapies, such as Coartem, which are the current standard of care against falciparum infections.