Malaria drug could help fight dangerous virus in transplant patients

NCT ID NCT06853184

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether adding the malaria drug artesunate to standard antiviral treatment can better control cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in people who have received a solid organ transplant (kidney, lung, heart, or liver). About 90 adult participants will receive either a low or high dose of artesunate plus standard care, or standard care alone. The goal is to see if the combination reduces the amount of virus in the blood more effectively than standard treatment alone.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

artesunate (an antimalarial drug) combined with ganciclovir or valganciclovir (standard antiviral drugs)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a new combination treatment to better control CMV infections in transplant patients, potentially reducing complications.

What could go wrong

This is an early Phase 2 trial with only 90 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The added benefit of artesunate is unproven, and side effects from the combination are possible.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cytomegalovirus infection

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Mayo Clinic

    RECRUITING

    Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • Princess Alexandra Hospital

    TERMINATED

    Woolloongabba, Australia

  • Westmead Hospital

    TERMINATED

    Westmead, Australia