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In a phase 1 trial in the U.S., the monoclonal antibody L9LS, with its extended half-life, prevented parasitemia in malaria-naive adults challenged with Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites (NEJM JW Infect Dis Aug 9 2022 and N Engl J Med Aug 2022; 387:397). But will this agent protect children in malaria-endemic areas?
In a two-part phase 2 trial in Mali, investigators assessed safety and efficacy of L9LS. In part A, three subcutaneous or intravenous dosages of L9LS were tested in 18 healthy adults, followed by two subcutaneous dosages (or placebo) in 36 children. No safety concerns were noted. In part B, 225 healthy children aged 6–10 years were randomly assigned to receive 150-mg L9LS, 300-mg L9LS, or placebo administered subcutaneously…