CBE161

CBE161 (also known as MMV371) is a long-acting injectable (LAI) small molecule prodrug of the established antimalarial agent atovaquone. Developed by the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines at Scripps Research in collaboration with Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, CBE161 is designed for malaria chemoprophylaxis (prevention). The drug targets the asexual blood stages of malaria parasites, including *Plasmodium falciparum* and *Plasmodium vivax*. Its mechanism of action involves the inhibition of the parasite's mitochondrial cytochrome bc1 complex, which disrupts the electron transport chain and collapses the mitochondrial membrane potential. The LAI formulation is engineered to maintain therapeutic levels of atovaquone in the bloodstream for extended periods, potentially providing up to three months of protection from a single intramuscular injection. CBE161 entered Phase 1 clinical trials in October 2024 to evaluate its safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers.

Other names

atovaquone prodrug