african scientist wins award for research into treating drug resistant malaria

African scientist Alexis Nzila has today (Tuesday 10 October 2006) been awarded the inaugural Royal Society Pfizer Award for his novel research to find a new antimalarial drug with the potential to tackle the growing problem posed by drug resistant strains of malaria.  The award has been established by The Royal Society and Pfizer with the aim of helping to expand research capacity in developing countries.

Dr Nzila has shown that drug resistance in malaria can be prevented by combining an existing anticancer drug, methotrexate, with folic acid. This is a significant finding, and may one day lead to a new malaria treatment.  Dr Nzila intends to use the £60,000 award grant to further research this initial finding and better understand its potential as a malaria treatment.

Dr Nzila, who is based at the Kenya Medical Research Institute, said: "Certain anti-cancer drugs were found to be effective antimalarials, but as with many other antimalarial drugs, parasite resistance is a growing problem.

"The use of existing drugs already on the market but in new combinations shows real promise in providing effective treatments without the enormous costs of new drug development. With malaria killing more than one million people a year in Africa, it is this kind of low-cost solution that the continent desperately needs."

His research is on a group of drugs known as antifolates. They are used primarily to control the spread of cancer as they inhibit cell multiplication. His work has shown that certain folates - a group of B-vitamins - play a key role in preventing the malaria parasite developing drug resistance. He has been using the synthetic form of folate folic acid in his research.

Dr Nzila added: "The Royal Society Pfizer Award has come at a crucial time in my research. The grant will allow me to fully investigate how this unusual combination works, and I hope that one day, my research will result in a low- cost, effective anti malarial treatment."

The Royal Society Pfizer Award aims to encourage research in Sub-Saharan Africa by supporting young scientists. The research grant is intended to support innovative research which has the potential to have a positive, sustainable impact on the region.

In recognition of the award scheme, Dr Nzila added: "There are many challenges involved in doing science in a developing country, but I believe it is very important this kind of research is driven from within. Initiatives such as the Royal Society Pfizer Award are crucial to encourage researchers in Africa and elsewhere to build their careers in countries where the disease burden is greatest.  Malaria is an African problem, and there won't be lasting solutions without the contributions of African scientists."

Martin Rees, President of the Royal Society, said: "Alexis is a wonderful inspiration to other researchers working in developing countries and proof that it is possible to develop an internationally competitive career working in Africa. His work in Kenya and collaborations with UK universities and institutes are excellent examples of the type of collaborations the Royal Society is seeking to foster as part of its policy to strengthen links between developed and developing countries.

"The Royal Society is committed to building resources in scientific communities in developing countries. We hope that by creating this award with Pfizer, we will help scientists based in these regions to expand their resources and expertise to benefit the needs of their countries."

Annette Doherty, Senior Vice President and Director of Pfizer's Sandwich Laboratories, said: "We are proud to have established this award with the Royal Society and Dr Nzila is a very worthy first recipient.   His research is impressive, and vitally important at a time when the challenge posed by drug resistant strains of malaria is growing.  We are confident the award will enable him and his team to expand their research at their base in Kenya.

"Pfizer is involved in numerous initiatives to help address global health inequalities and we have a significant research programme into infectious diseases, including malaria and HIV.   We are committed to working in partnership with other organisations governments, academia and NGOs to help tackle health challenges in developing countries," she added.

The award grant and a £5,000 personal prize fund will be presented to Dr Nzila at the Royal Society on Tuesday evening.

10 October 2006
Source: ROYALSoc.ac.za