Novartis Speeds New Anti-Malarial as Older Drug Loses Potency
- Gates says resistance spreading to Africa would be ‘disaster’
- Drugmaker to expand trial to nine Asian, African countries
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Novartis AG began testing a new anti-malaria pill in Africa, advancing development of an alternative to its most effective treatment that billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates said risked losing potency.
Patients in Mali infected with the mosquito-borne parasite began receiving the experimental drug, known as KAF156, in combination with another medicine, the drugmaker said Monday. More than 500 children and adults across nine countries in Africa and Asia will be enrolled in the mid-stage study over the next few months.