Australian chemistry and drug discovery towards the development of antimalarials

Abstract

Malaria, a disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, accounts for more than 450 000 deaths annually. The devastating impact of this disease is compounded by the emergence or risk of widespread resistance to current antimalarial drugs, underscoring the need to develop new therapies. Australian scientists are at the forefront of fundamental, clinical and surveillance research, and have made significant contributions to advancing the field of malaria research. A significant component of this research has been directed toward the development of new antimalarial therapies. This perspective summarises the recent endeavours by Australian researchers in chemistry and drug discovery sciences in the identification and development of new antimalarial therapies in the global challenge to treat and eliminate malaria.