Compound Eradicates Malaria Parasite in Blood

New studies demonstrate that when red blood cells contaminated with the malaria parasite are treated with a deactivating compound, they show a complete loss of infectivity.

Plasmodium falciparum is the parasite that causes the majority of malaria infections in the world. It has been transmitted by blood stored for 19 days and even survives well in frozen blood. A recent study found that the longest interval between travel to a malaria area and transmission of malaria by this parasite through a blood transfusion was five years. Currently, there is no approved laboratory test in the United States to screen donor blood for malaria prevention.

The deactivating compound, called Inactine, was developed by V.I. Technologies, Inc. (Vitex, Watertown, MA, USA). Inactine is designed to inactivate a wide range of known viruses, bacteria, and parasites and has also demonstrated the ability to remove prions, all while preserving the properties of red blood cells. The technology works by binding to the RNA or DNA of the pathogen. The company is currently working on three key areas for commercial viability: broad pathogen kill, a wide safety margin for the patient, and minimal interference with the function of the red cell.

"In today's international world, the phenomenon of ‘airport malaria,' or the importing of malaria by international travelers, is becoming commonplace,” said John R. Barr,
president and CEO of Vitex.




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