New malaria drug shows promise in severe cases

NCT ID NCT04675931

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested a new intravenous drug called cipargamin in 254 adults and children with severe malaria. The goal was to find a safe and effective dose that quickly clears the malaria parasite, especially in areas where standard treatments are becoming less effective. Researchers measured how well the drug reduced parasite levels and improved clinical outcomes within 48 hours.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: cipargamin (KAE609)
What this could lead to: If successful, cipargamin could offer a new treatment option for severe malaria, especially where current drugs are losing effectiveness due to resistance.
What could go wrong: This is a Phase 2 trial with only 254 participants, so results are preliminary. The drug may not prove safe or effective in larger studies, and side effects are still being evaluated.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

malaria Plasmodium falciparum malaria

As listed by the trial registrant

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

SEVERE MALARIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Novartis Investigative Site

Burkina Faso, 2208, Burkina Faso
Novartis Investigative Site

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Novartis Investigative Site

Abidjan, 13BP972, Côte d’Ivoire
Novartis Investigative Site

Agboville, BP 154, Côte d’Ivoire
Novartis Investigative Site

Kinsasha, Democratic Republic of Congo, BP 7948, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Novartis Investigative Site

Siaya, 2300, Kenya
Novartis Investigative Site

Manhiça, Maputo Province, 1929, Mozambique
Novartis Investigative Site

Kigali, BP 4560, Rwanda
Novartis Investigative Site

Tororo, 10102, Uganda

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