ODA-579 (Brown University)

ODA-579 (also known as compound 2741-19) is a preclinical-stage small molecule inhibitor targeting Plasmodium falciparum glutamic-acid-rich protein (PfGARP), a highly conserved parasite antigen expressed on the exofacial surface of infected human erythrocytes during the trophozoite stage. Developed by Ocean Biomedical in collaboration with Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Florida Atlantic University, and Florida International University, ODA-579 mimics the action of naturally occurring anti-PfGARP antibodies. Binding of ODA-579 to PfGARP triggers programmed cell death (apoptosis) in the intracellular malaria parasites, characterized by rapid loss of mitochondrial membrane polarity, caspase-like activation, release of calcium from the food vacuole, and DNA fragmentation. ODA-579 is being developed as a fast-acting parenteral therapy for severe falciparum malaria, with preclinical studies demonstrating potent parasite-killing activity and rapid clearance of parasitemia in humanized mouse models without significant mammalian toxicity.

Other names

anti-PfGARP small moleculePfGARP-targeting small molecule compound