In a potential game-changer for malaria treatment, scientists at North-West University (NWU) in South Africa are harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to fast-track the discovery of new anti-malarial drugs. This pioneering research offers fresh hope in the battle against a disease that continues to kill hundreds of thousands of people each year, particularly in Africa.

Unlike traditional drug development, which can take decades, AI-powered screening techniques enable researchers to identify promising compounds in a fraction of the time. The NWU research team, led by Dr. Fortunate Mokoena, is using machine learning to analyze thousands of chemical compounds, pinpointing those most likely to block a key protein essential for the malaria parasite’s survival.

“Machine learning allows us to sift through massive datasets in record time, drastically cutting down the early phases of drug discovery,” explains Dr Mokoena. “Instead of testing one compound at a time in the lab, we can now predict which ones have the highest likelihood of success before even stepping into a laboratory.”

Among the potential candidates identified, one compound—FTN-T5—has shown remarkable promise. Lab tests indicate that FTN-T5 effectively kills the malaria parasite while remaining safe for human cells, marking a critical step toward developing a viable treatment. However, further research, pre-clinical testing, and eventual human trials are needed before it can be rolled out for widespread use.

The urgency of this breakthrough cannot be overstated. Malaria remains a leading cause of death in Africa, and the parasite’s increasing resistance to existing drugs threatens to undo decades of progress. Without new treatment options, many regions could face a resurgence in malaria cases, putting millions at risk.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly stressed the need for new malaria treatments, and AI-driven drug discovery could be the key to staying ahead of the parasite. “This technology allows us to rapidly identify new compounds before resistance spreads, giving us a crucial advantage,” says Dr. Mokoena.

While the AI-driven approach is promising, significant challenges remain. Moving from laboratory success to real-world application requires substantial funding, regulatory approvals, and collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry. Clinical trials can take years, and ensuring that any future drug is both affordable and accessible to the communities most affected by malaria is a top priority.

Beyond malaria, this research signals a shift in how African scientists are leveraging AI and cutting-edge technology to address major health challenges. If successful, NWU’s AI-driven drug discovery model could not only revolutionize malaria treatment but also serve as a blueprint for combating other infectious diseases using artificial intelligence.

“Our mission isn’t just to find a cure,” Dr. Mokoena emphasizes. “It’s to create an affordable and effective malaria treatment that reaches the people who need it most.”

As Africa takes bold steps toward scientific self-reliance, the work of NWU researchers may soon redefine how the world approaches drug discovery—starting with malaria.

 

Article by RB Correspodent

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https://news.nwu.ac.za/new-research-offers-hope-africas-malaria-crisis