Africa-Europe research partnership launches to advance next-generation single-dose malaria treatments
WANECAM3, an international consortium, aims to accelerate the development of next-generation malaria treatments with the potential to deliver transformational single-dose cures.
- WANECAM3 will evaluate novel non-artemisinin antimalarial treatments through Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials.
- The project aims to develop a single-dose cure for uncomplicated malaria that simplifies treatment, improves adherence and helps address the growing threat of antimalarial drug resistance.
- This collaboration will accelerate the evaluation of new therapeutic compounds while strengthening clinical research capacity and scientific leadership across Africa.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 1 September 2026: The West African Network for Clinical Trials of Antimalarial Drugs (WANECAM3) consortium today announced the launch of its third research programme to develop next-generation malaria treatments. Bringing together 11 partners across six African and four European countries, the programme combines clinical research, product development and pharmaceutical expertise. It will evaluate novel non-artemisinin[1] antimalarial compounds and combinations that could simplify treatment, support patients and health systems, and help address the growing challenge of antimalarial drug resistance in Africa.
Co-funded by the European Union under Global Health EDCTP3, Novartis and Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), this ambitious programme builds on nearly two decades of WANECAM’s experience in conducting large-scale clinical trials in Africa to address the urgent need for treatments that are simpler, more effective and better adapted to populations affected by malaria.
Responding to a major global health challenge
Antimalarial drug resistance represents a critical threat to continued malaria control and elimination efforts. Diversifying treatment options is a central component of the World Health Organization’s Strategy to respond to antimalarial drug resistance in Africa.
Currently recommended antimalarial treatments generally require a number of doses to cure infection. In contexts where access to healthcare remains limited, this can reduce treatment adherence, compromise patient outcomes and accelerate the development of resistance.
Against this backdrop, developing new and simpler therapeutic options has become a global priority. The WANECAM3 programme will assess several promising next-generation drug candidates through innovative clinical studies designed to evaluate their efficacy and safety as potential first-line, single-dose treatments for uncomplicated malaria.
Strengthening clinical research in sub-Saharan Africa
WANECAM3 brings together leading African research teams in Burkina Faso, Gabon, Kenya, Mali and Uganda. Alongside developing new treatments, the programme will strengthen African capacity and leadership in clinical research, with Ethiopian partners participating in dedicated capacity-building activities. It will also improve monitoring of antimalarial drug resistance and deepen understanding of how resistance emerges and spreads, as well as the mechanisms of malaria transmission.
“Refining and expanding the malaria control toolbox continues to drive progress towards malaria elimination. Early diagnosis and effective treatment remain essential. With a robust development pipeline that includes several novel, first-in-class, highly effective short- and long-acting antimalarials, the race to deliver a single-dose oral therapy for uncomplicated falciparum malaria is on,” says Prof. Martin Grobusch, WANECAM3 Project Coordinator.
“Although countries continue to make significant progress against malaria, the growing threat of resistance requires urgent action to protect these gains and sustain momentum. WANECAM3 offers a unique opportunity to develop the next generation of antimalarial medicines, with the ambition of delivering a single-dose cure for uncomplicated malaria,” says Prof. Abdoulaye Djimdé, Scientific Lead of WANECAM3.
“We are delighted to partner once again with WANECAM to advance our exciting portfolio of potential new treatments for uncomplicated malaria. By combining Novartis’ drug development expertise with WANECAM’s outstanding clinical research network and African leadership, we aim to improve outcomes for patients and health systems,” says Caroline Boulton, Global Program Head, Novartis.
“Developing a single-dose cure is about much more than convenience. It is about designing treatments that are better suited to the realities of patients and health systems in malaria-endemic countries. WANECAM3 brings together the scientific expertise and clinical capabilities needed to advance the next generation of malaria treatments and brings us closer to making a single dose cure a reality,” says Cristina Donini, MMV’s Executive Vice President of Research and Development.
Expected impact
WANECAM3 has the potential to transform malaria management in Africa by developing next-generation medicines that could cure malaria with a single dose. Potential benefits include:
- Simpler treatment administration;
- Improved treatment adherence;
- A lower risk of resistance developing; and
- A potential reduction in malaria parasite transmission.
If the results are conclusive, these new treatments could represent a major advance in the fight against malaria and significantly improve the care of millions of patients.
About WANECAM3
WANECAM3 is an Africa–Europe research consortium dedicated to accelerating the development of next-generation malaria treatments with the potential to achieve single-dose cures, in response to the growing threat of antimalarial drug resistance. Since its inception in 2010, the WANECAM network has contributed to the evaluation of several innovative antimalarial treatments while strengthening scientific and clinical research capacity in Africa.
The consortium includes the Amsterdam University Medical Centre (the Netherlands), Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (Mali), Novartis Pharma AG (Switzerland), Medicines for Malaria Venture (Switzerland), Addis Ababa University (Ethiopia), Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (Gabon), Groupe de Recherche Action en Santé (Burkina Faso), Health Research Operations Kenya Limited (Kenya), Makerere University (Uganda), London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (United Kingdom) and Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen (Germany).
Discover the WANECAM3 partners
| Prof. Martin Grobusch, Project Coordinator Email: m.p.grobusch@amsterdamumc.nl LinkedIn:@Martin Grobusch | Prof. Abdoulaye Djimdé, scientific lead Email: adjimde@icermali.org LinkedIn:@Abdoulaye Djimde | Novartis LinkedIn: | MMV LinkedIn: @Medicines for Malaria Venture |
Notes to journalists
For all interview requests, please contact:
Ms. Adama Guindo, communications officer
Email: adamaguindo@icermali.org
Tel: +223 90 31 31 05
Project LinkedIn: @WANECAM
Website: www.wanecam.org
