Researchers develop new malaria treatment delivery system for patients in remote areas

Researchers from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) recently developed a capsule that may help prevent malaria infections and protect patients for up to two weeks.

The capsule was recently tested in swine models and proved to be effective for up to 14 days.

Current treatment for malaria prevention involves following a strict dosing regimen of a drug called Ivermectin, which can kill mosquitoes that ingest the drug but is non-toxic to humans. While it is useful in controlling the spread of the disease and lowering mosquito populations, its intended dosing schedule makes it difficult for patients in remote or underdeveloped areas to follow.

To address dosing concerns, a MIT-based research team led by Robert Langer developed a capsule that will slowly release a steady dose of Ivermectin over the course of two weeks, eliminating the need for daily dosing.

The star-shaped capsule is resistant to gastric acids found in the stomach and is large enough in size that it will only pass through the body when the links that create its shape dissolve. From there, it can pass harmlessly through the rest of the body’s digestive system.

“This drug delivery system is the kind of low-cost solution that could have a great impact on the spread and destructiveness of malaria,” David Rampulla, NIBIB’s director of Delivery Systems and Devices for Drugs and Biologics, said.