E-PeDeMa

(Ecoli Based Peptide Drugs against Malaria)

This year, we are working on developing a cure for Malaria that is based on rigorous modeling, wet lab assays, and human practices. We aim to design a library of orally available peptide drugs that will inhibit the onset of Malarial infections at various blood stages and effectively prevent the spread of the disease.

We aim to design and develop a series of potential peptide inhibitors against essential Plasmodium-Human protein-protein interactions that can be delivered it orally. Our system uses cyclotides, a class of plant-based circular proteins known for their stability and cell-membrane permeability. Using cyclotides as protein scaffolds, we envision revolutionizing the way we deal with and treat malaria.

Our project in it’s larger worldwide context, may help in providing a solution to malaria with the hopes of reducing mortality rates and help to alleviate the effects of the disease on a global scale, humanely, economically, and socially. This is of great significance since Malarial parasites (Plasmodia) are constantly evolving resistance to tried and tested drugs and, without any efficient vaccine, there is a high chance of the next Malaria epidemic. Coupled with efficient human practices for creating global awareness, our project offers comprehensive protection against the spread and aids in the abatement of Malaria.