The result of an international study suggests that scientists might be closer to the production of a promising new drug that could treat deadly malaria.
The new medication, called 'NITD609,' which is a class of compounds known as 'spiroindolones,' has been reportedly developed through concerted efforts between scientists in the US, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, and Britain.
According to the findings of the research published in a recent edition of the journal Science, the oral intake of the new medicine has proved effective in curing (all) five infected mice without any side effects.
"We're very excited by the new compound," AFP quoted study author Elizabeth Winzeler, a professor at the California-based Scripps Research Institute, as saying.
"It has a lot of encouraging features as a drug candidate, including an attractive safety profile and potential treatment in a single oral dose," she added.
"From the beginning, NITD609 stood out because it looked different, in terms of its structure and chemistry, from all other currently used anti-malarials," she noted in a statement.
However, Robert Newman, the Director of the Global Malaria Program at the World Health Organization (WHO), has cautioned against complacency about the new drug and said that previous drugs appeared equally promising, but at some point failed to meet expectations.
Scientists now await human trials of NITD609, which could begin later this year.
Cases of malaria hit around 500 million persons a year, with the death toll amounting to 1 million, mostly children under 5. The major area where the disease is concentrated is Sub-Saharan Africa.
Malaria is an infectious disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, which is transmitted via mosquito bites. The disease is characterized by cycles of chills, fever, pain and sweating. If not treated, it can become life threatening.
