Malaria Diagnostic Methods to Replace Microscopy in Clinical Trials

Developing a robust and accurate test for the detection of malaria continues to be an elusive challenge.1,2 The objective of this proposal is to develop an innovative approach to the diagnosis of malaria that is very specific and sensitive for detecting the presence of malaria parasites in red blood cells (RBC). This approach could potentially be more effective than the current microscopic and rapid detection tests that seem to have issues with both false positives and negatives. A novel approach is necessary to explore other untapped avenues and identify a new methodology to achieve this objective. As ARDL, Inc.’s newly established division, ARDL Pharmaceutical Services Lab is uniquely positioned to address this objective. Phase I would consist of characterization of extracts of standard RBC that contain the malaria parasite, Plasmodium. Phase II of the proposal would then be focused on translating the results from the Phase I proof of principle demonstration into a robust method with the ultimate goal to develop a simple, low cost, modular type test that could be used for diagnostic purposes in remote areas of the world.