Department of biochemistry of Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is an advanced stage of research for developing drug targets for malaria. Studies of the metabolic pathways in the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, holds promise for the identification of new anti-malarial drug targets.

The department with its team of scientists led by professor G Padmanabhan, scientist emeritus, former director, Indian Institute of Science is looking at the 'Heme' pathway, which is vital for the parasite survival. The researchers have cloned all the genes in the pathway. They have ample research proof that the parasite can die. 'Heme' is a diverse biological function which includes transports of diatomic gases, chemical catalysis, diatomic gas detection and electron transfer.

The discovery of metabolic HEME pathways for which genes are already cloned look different from the host and so it will prove as a good drug target. One of them is the curcumin combination to control the parasite. "Our research has provided new knowledge on parasite biology which could pave the way for the development of new molecular framework for drug development," professor Padmanabhan told Pharmabiz.

Researchers studied the mechanism of action of curcumin, its effect on animal model and it is showing prospects on the immunological memory of the parasite. Scientists have administered three doses of curcumin. Using curcumin, the parasite emerges and almost instantly antibodies have come out to neutralize the parasite.

"There is sufficient proof that curcumin activates the immunological memory. In the Heme pathway, the basic finding is the parasite electron transport chain which is required to support the HEME bio-synthesis that makes it as a drug target. A lot of papers are being published on our findings in well known international journals," he added.

Malaria ranks with tuberculosis and AIDS in terms of its ability to destroy human health. In India, there are at least two million cases are seen annually. Although mortality may not be as high as it is in Africa, the trauma due to morbidity and debility and loss of productive man hours are colossal. Since resistance to chloroquine and antifolates is spreading rapidly, there is need to develop new 'pharmacophores' for which identification of new drug targets is essential. "The research is on targets arising from classical and unique metabolic pathways in the malaria parasite. From this research phase, we need to move faster towards drug development," said professor Padmanabhan.

Currently, over 500 million people around the world need treatment for malaria. Malaria, which is preventable and curable, can be fatal if not treated properly.