New drug combo could cut malaria risks in pregnancy

NCT ID NCT04336189

Completed Prevention Sponsor: Grant Dorsey, M.D, Ph.D. Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This large phase 3 trial tested whether combining two malaria drugs (SP and DP) works better than either alone to prevent malaria and improve birth outcomes in pregnant women. Over 2,700 HIV-negative women in Uganda received monthly doses of SP, DP, or both. The study tracked complications like low birth weight, preterm birth, and stillbirth to find the safest and most effective regimen.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a more effective preventive treatment for malaria during pregnancy, reducing risks like low birth weight and preterm birth.
What could go wrong: The trial is completed but results are not yet widely confirmed. The combination may cause more side effects or not work better than existing treatments.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for MALARIA are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Reproductive Tract Infections malaria prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

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

MALARIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration Clinic - Masafu Hospital

Masafu, Busia, Uganda

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.