Nitisinone Advances as Promising Malaria Control Tool

Researchers confirm the drug's effectiveness in killing mosquitoes and prepare for semi-field trials to optimize its use in real-world settings.

Nitisinone, a drug traditionally used for rare genetic disorders, has been found to make human blood toxic to mosquitoes by blocking the HPPD enzyme, leading to their death.
The drug shows significant advantages over ivermectin, including a longer half-life in human blood, effectiveness against insecticide-resistant mosquitoes, and environmental safety.
Recent studies demonstrated nitisinone's ability to kill Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes of all ages, including those most likely to transmit malaria and those resistant to traditional insecticides.
Researchers are now preparing semi-field trials to determine the optimal dosages and practical strategies for integrating nitisinone into mosquito control programs.
The expanded use of nitisinone for vector control could also reduce its cost for patients with rare genetic diseases by increasing production.