Malaria is still a life-threatening disease in much of the world today. According to the World Health Organization, in 2019, there were an estimated 229 million cases of malaria worldwide. More specifically, 67% of deaths today from malaria occur in children less than five years of age, mostly in Africa. Children need specific pediatric formulations that can be taken and have an acceptable taste.

The partnership of Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), Shin Poong Pharm. Co., Ltd., and the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy originated in 2002 with formulation development and preclinical studies. This public-private partnership was fundamental in developing a low-cost antimalarial, called Pyramax, for adults and children with uncomplicated malaria. University of Iowa Professor Emeritus Lawrence Fleckenstein said, ‘It’s very important with drug development that you work as a team because it requires a lot of scientific disciplines.’

For more information, please view this brief video.