By Sulaiman Kauki
KIGALI — Rwanda has launched Africa’s first Phase 1 clinical trial of a long-acting injectable drug designed to prevent malaria, raising hopes for a new generation of preventive treatments that could offer protection for an entire malaria season through a single injection.
The trial is being conducted through a partnership between Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), a global non-profit organisation focused on developing malaria treatments, and Rinda Ubuzima, a Rwandan health research organisation.
Announced on November 6, 2026, the Phase 1b study will evaluate MMV371, an experimental long-acting injectable intended to provide extended protection against malaria.
The research marks an important milestone in malaria prevention, as scientists explore alternatives that could reduce the need for frequent preventive medication, particularly in communities at high risk of infection.
According to the organisations, the study will assess the safety and tolerability of MMV371 in Rwandan adults and adolescents, examine its potential effectiveness and establish how the body absorbs and processes the drug.
The trial follows earlier clinical research conducted in the United Kingdom, where MMV371 was reportedly well tolerated in healthy adults and demonstrated the potential to provide protection for approximately three months.
If subsequent trials establish its safety and effectiveness, the injectable could become an additional malaria prevention option alongside existing interventions such as mosquito control, vaccines and preventive medicines.
Malaria remains one of Africa’s biggest public health challenges. According to the World Health Organisation, the disease caused more than 280 million cases and approximately 600,000 deaths globally in 2024, with Africa accounting for about 95 per cent of the deaths.
The continued emergence of resistance to antimalarial medicines, climate change-related extreme weather events and weaknesses in health systems have increased the need for new prevention and treatment approaches.
MMV Chief Executive Officer Dr Martin Fitchet said developing the next generation of malaria prevention tools was essential to sustaining progress towards eliminating the disease.
“To eliminate malaria, we will need not only wider access to today’s tools but also the next generation of prevention technologies,” Fitchet said.
He noted that long-acting injectables could transform malaria prevention by providing sustained protection through a single administration and expanding the options available to vulnerable communities.
Rinda Ubuzima Executive Director Marie Michele Umulisa said conducting the research in Rwanda demonstrates the growing contribution of African researchers and institutions to the development of advanced medical interventions.
She said the partnership would not only contribute to research that could shape the future of malaria prevention but also strengthen locally led scientific innovation and research capacity.
The collaboration reflects growing efforts to expand advanced clinical research in malaria-endemic countries, allowing African scientists and institutions to participate more directly in developing medical solutions for their communities.
Researchers say long-acting injectable medicines could eventually offer an important addition to existing malaria prevention strategies, particularly where access to regular preventive medication and healthcare services remains challenging.
However, MMV371 is still experimental, and further clinical trials will be required to establish its safety, effectiveness and suitability for wider use before it can be approved for public distribution.