MMV partners with Rinda Ubuzima to test long-acting malaria prevention injection in Rwanda
If proven safe and effective, long-acting injectable (LAI) could complement current interventions, including insecticide-based vector control, malaria vaccines and preventive medicines.
RWANDA—Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) and Rwandan research organisation Rinda Ubuzima have launched a Phase 1b clinical trial in Rwanda to assess MMV371, an experimental long-acting injectable designed to prevent malaria.
The study marks the first Phase 1 trial of a long-acting injectable (LAI) for malaria prevention to take place in Africa.
It will assess whether the experimental medicine can provide sustained protection against malaria and expand existing prevention options.
If proven safe and effective, LAIs could complement current interventions, including insecticide-based vector control, malaria vaccines and preventive medicines.
Their potential advantage is providing protection for an extended period after a single administration, which could reduce the need for frequent dosing.
Malaria prevention drives demand for new interventions
Despite progress in malaria control, the disease remains a major public health burden, particularly in Africa.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that malaria caused more than 280 million cases and over 600,000 deaths globally in 2024, with Africa accounting for approximately 95% of fatalities.
The emergence of antimalarial drug resistance, climate-related changes in disease transmission and weaknesses in healthcare systems continue to complicate malaria control efforts.
These challenges have increased the need for new medicines that can protect vulnerable populations while complementing existing prevention and treatment programmes.
MMV is working with research partners to develop long-acting medicines that could provide extended protection against infection.
The latest trial builds on earlier clinical studies in the United Kingdom, where MMV371 was well tolerated in healthy adults and showed potential to provide protection for about three months.
The Phase 1b study will assess the compound’s safety and tolerability in Rwandan adults and adolescents.
Researchers will also examine its potential efficacy and pharmacokinetics, including how the body absorbs and processes the medicine.
African research partnerships support clinical development
Commenting on the development, Dr Martin Fitchet, Chief Executive Officer of MMV, said expanding access to existing malaria interventions must go hand in hand with developing new prevention technologies.
He noted that long-acting injectables could change malaria prevention by providing sustained protection through a single dose, giving health programmes additional options for protecting at-risk populations.
The collaboration also reflects MMV’s approach to developing new medicines through partnerships with industry, governments and academic institutions.
Working with Rinda Ubuzima will support locally led clinical research, strengthen scientific capacity in Rwanda and generate evidence to guide the further development of MMV371.
Marie Michele Umulisa, Executive Director of Rinda Ubuzima, said conducting the study in Rwanda demonstrates the importance of involving African researchers and institutions in developing medical interventions for their communities.
She added that the organisation was proud to contribute to research that could advance malaria prevention while strengthening local scientific innovation.
The trial also highlights the growing role of malaria-endemic countries in early-stage clinical development, allowing researchers to generate safety and efficacy evidence in settings where new interventions are ultimately expected to be used.
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