MK-7602

MK-7602 is a novel, orally administered antimalarial drug candidate developed by Merck Sharp & Dohme in collaboration with the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. It is a highly potent dual inhibitor of the *Plasmodium* aspartic proteases plasmepsin IX (PMIX) and plasmepsin X (PMX), essential enzymes for parasite survival. By inhibiting both PMIX and PMX, MK-7602 disrupts multiple stages of the malaria parasite lifecycle—including blood, liver, and mosquito/sexual stages—demonstrating robust efficacy in preclinical models. The compound was discovered through phenotypic screening and structure-guided medicinal chemistry optimization to address emerging resistance to current antimalarials such as artemisinin. As of early 2025, MK-7602 is in Phase I clinical trials for malaria[1][3][6][7].