Early research by St George’s, University of London has laid the foundations for a new anti-malaria treatment that could save millions of lives. Malaria causes more than a million deaths a year, with 90% of all cases occurring in Africa. St George’s researchers carried out one of the first trials of a rectally-delivered drug called ‘artesunate’ on children with malaria and have proven that rectal artesunate could halve the rate of malaria death and permanent disability in remote rural areas of Africa and Asia.
More trials will be required before the drug can be licensed for use and then there will be the usual complications of ensuring that the treatment is available to those who need it.
Read the full article which was published today in the Lancet.
A condition that is linked to, or is a consequence of, another disease or procedure.
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A large abdominal organ that has many important roles including the production of bile and clotting factors, detoxification, and the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats.
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A serious disease caused by parasitic protozoa called plasmodia.
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Relating to the rectum, the lowest part of the bowel leading to the anus.
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