Overview
- Final Phase III results presented at the ASTMH meeting showed GanLum achieved about 97% to 99% cure rates in analyses, surpassing the WHO’s 95% efficacy benchmark and modestly outperforming standard artemisinin-based therapy.
- The treatment cleared parasites carrying artemisinin-resistance mutations in roughly 47 hours versus about 71 hours for the current standard, and study data indicate transmission‑blocking potential.
- The fixed‑dose combination pairs novel ganaplacide with a reformulated lumefantrine and was tested in 1,688 adults and children at 34 sites across 12 African countries.
- Novartis, developing GanLum with the Medicines for Malaria Venture, is preparing regulatory submissions and projects potential availability in 12 to 18 months, with plans described as on a non‑profit basis.
- Investigators reported a safety profile similar to existing treatments but noted early vomiting likely linked to taste and flagged adherence challenges with the once‑daily, three‑day sachet regimen, as Africa faces growing partial resistance in countries including Eritrea, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania.