Breakthrough in Malaria Research: Discovery of Small Molecules with Anthelmintic Potential

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the University of California San Diego (UCSD) have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against malaria, discovering several small molecules with potential as anthelmintics. According to a recent study published in BMC Research Notes, the team used an infrared-based motility assay to screen 400 compounds from two open-source, small-molecule collections distributed by the Medicines for Malaria Venture. The screening identified 12 compounds, including three that showed promising results with EC50 values ranging from 0.211 to 23.174 M.

Key Takeaways:

  • Researchers from the University of California San Diego (UCSD) discovered 12 small molecules with potential as anthelmintics against parasitic nematodes.
  • The screening process used an infrared-based motility assay to test 400 compounds from two open-source collections distributed by the Medicines for Malaria Venture.
  • Three compounds, flufenerim, flucofuron, and indomethacin, showed promising results with EC50 values ranging from 0.211 to 23.174 M.
  • The research concluded that flufenerim, flucofuron, and/or indomethacin might serve as starting points for the development of new anthelmintics.
  • The study highlighted the importance of using free-living nematodes, such as Caenorhabditis elegans, in assaying for anthelmintic compounds.
  • The researchers used a validated screening assay to test for worm number, DMSO concentration, and final volume.

Statistics:

  • 400 compounds were screened in the study using an infrared-based motility assay.
  • 12 compounds were identified as hits, with 9 being known anthelmintics.
  • 3 additional bioactives, flufenerim, flucofuron, and indomethacin, were identified with EC50 values ranging from 0.211 to 23.174 M.
  • Counter toxicity screens with HEK293 cells indicated varying degrees of toxicity with EC50 values ranging from 0.453 to 100 M.
  • The study focused on using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism for anthelmintic compound screening.

Sources:

  • Discovery of small molecules with anthelmintic potential in the Medicines for Malaria Venture's COVID and Global Health Priority Boxes using an infrared-based assay for Caenorhabditis elegans motility. BMC Research Notes, 2025,18(1):1-7.
  • NewsRx. University of California San Diego (UCSD) Researchers Update Understanding of Malaria (Discovery of small molecules with anthelmintic potential in the Medicines for Malaria Venture's COVID and Global Health Priority Boxes using an ...). Malaria Weekly. October 27, 2025; p 68.