Objective Malaria is a serious parasitic disease afflicting 198 million people in 2013, with an estimated death toll of approximately 600 000. Approximately half the world’s population is at risk of malaria. So far there is no cure/vaccine against malaria and current chemoprotective treatments have shortcomings, such as: 1) Limited Number of Drugs effective against malaria parasites; 2) Adverse Side Effects (observed in 32% to 44% of users); 3) Parasite Resistance to most of the drugs used for prevention and treatment; and 4) Limited Use (restrictions on age, genetic traits, pregnancy, etc). Our ERC-funded research uncovered a novel mechanism of action that can be targeted for malaria chemoprotection, with fewer side effects and reduced propensity to generate parasite resistance, on which we filed for IP protection. Furthermore, we have identified a set of likely drug candidates already validated in the clinic, which are likely candidates for malaria chemoprotection. In fact, our preliminary data indicates that a known anti-diabetic drug significantly affects parasite growth. We are seeking funding to initiate pre-clinical studies for repurposing this drug for malaria chemoprotection. This PoC funding will allow us to complete the following aims: 1) in vitro profiling to define therapeutic dose for malaria chemoprotection; 2) in vivo profiling to perform efficacy and toxicity studies; 3) further define IP Strategy; 4) draft early stage Regulatory Approval Roadmap; 5) conduct Market Analysis and develop a Business Case. Fields of science medical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacydrug discoverymedical and health scienceshealth sciencesinfectious diseasesmalariamedical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacypharmaceutical drugsvaccinesmedical and health sciencesclinical medicineobstetrics Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-PoC-2015 - ERC Proof of Concept Grant Call for proposal ERC-2015-PoC See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-POC - Proof of Concept Grant Host institution INSTITUTO DE MEDICINA MOLECULAR JOAO LOBO ANTUNES Net EU contribution € 145 500,00 Address AVENIDA PROF EGAS MONIZ 1649 028 Lisboa Portugal See on map Region Continente Área Metropolitana de Lisboa Área Metropolitana de Lisboa Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 145 500,00 Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all INSTITUTO DE MEDICINA MOLECULAR JOAO LOBO ANTUNES Portugal Net EU contribution € 145 500,00 Address AVENIDA PROF EGAS MONIZ 1649 028 Lisboa See on map Region Continente Área Metropolitana de Lisboa Área Metropolitana de Lisboa Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 145 500,00