Addressing Malaria Resistance with AI, Open Science, and Next-Gen Therapeutics
Malaria remains a major global health challenge despite extensive research and control efforts. The emergence of resistant strains against artemisinin combination therapies and other treatments has intensified the search for novel approaches to combat the disease.
Current strategies involve chemoprevention, single-dose cure combinations, and biologics such as monoclonal antibodies and antisense oligonucleotides. Alongside these, artificial intelligence (AI) and open-access scientific platforms are being utilized to accelerate drug discovery and improve resistance prediction.
A recent GEN webinar brought together eight experts to discuss collaborative efforts and technological advances shaping malaria drug development. The panel highlighted how AI streamlines compound design and resistance forecasting, while open science initiatives foster global health research. They also explored how tools like CDD Vault enhance computational capabilities for researchers in resource-limited settings.
Beyond novel therapeutics, the discussion covered projects aimed at building research capacity in Africa. These include technology access grants and pharmacogenomics programs that consider genetic diversity in populations affected by malaria.
Panelists
- Gang Liu, PhD
Senior Program Officer, Gates Foundation
Gang Liu leads drug discovery programs targeting global health needs. He manages the Gates Foundation’s investments in the Global Health Drug Discovery Institute (GHDDI) in Beijing and directs the Malaria Drug Accelerator (MalDA), which coordinates efforts across 15 laboratories to deliver new antimalarial lead compounds. - Brice Campo, PhD
Head of Biology and Innovation Technologies, Medicines for Malaria Venture
With over 13 years at MMV, Brice Campo oversees biology and innovation technologies. He has progressed through roles from Associate Director to Senior Director of Drug Discovery before his current position. - Jeremy Burrows, PhD
VP, Head of Discovery, Medicines for Malaria Venture
Jeremy Burrows leads MMV’s Discovery team, focusing on developing new medicines aimed at malaria control and eradication. - James Duffy, PhD
Senior Director of Drug Discovery, Medicines for Malaria Venture
James Duffy provides strategic scientific leadership for multidisciplinary antimalarial drug discovery projects at MMV. - Elizabeth Winzeler, PhD
Associate Dean and Professor, University of California, San Diego
Elizabeth Winzeler serves as Associate Dean for Research and Innovation at UC San Diego’s Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, contributing expertise in infectious disease research. - Kelly Chibale, PhD
Professor of Organic Chemistry, University of Cape Town
Kelly Chibale holds the Neville Isdell Chair in African-centric Drug Discovery & Development. He is also the Founder and Director of the Drug Discovery and Development Centre (H3D) at UCT.
Webinar Details
Date: Thursday, September 4, 2025
Time: 8:00 am PT, 11:00 am ET, 17:00 CEST
This webinar offers valuable insight into the integration of AI, open science, and advanced therapeutics in the fight against malaria and other tropical diseases. It also underscores initiatives to strengthen scientific infrastructure in regions most affected by the disease.
For researchers interested in the application of AI in drug discovery, exploring resources and courses on Complete AI Training can provide practical knowledge and skills relevant to this evolving field.
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