Rwanda trials new long-acting malaria injection
About 80 healthy participants aged 12 to 50 are involved in the Phase 1b study in Kigali.
Rwanda has started a clinical trial for MMV371, an experimental malaria-prevention injection designed to offer protection for up to three months. Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) and Rwandan health research organisation Rinda Ubuzima announced the Phase 1b trial in Kigali on November 2, 2026. The injection, which releases atovaquone gradually, aims to reduce the need for frequent preventive medicine doses.
The trial will assess the safety and behaviour of MMV371 in about 80 healthy participants aged between 12 and 50, with three-quarters receiving the drug and the rest a placebo. Participants will be monitored for 24 weeks, including overnight stays and follow-up visits, to check for side effects and malaria infections. Marie Michele Umulisa of Rinda Ubuzima stated that conducting research in Rwanda allows African institutions to develop responses to local health challenges.
Malaria incidence in Rwanda was 72 cases per 1,000 people in the 2025/2026 financial year, a slight decrease from the previous year but still above 2023/2024 figures. Dr Joyce Eugénie noted that people living far from health centres could benefit from a long-acting preventive medicine. The cost of MMV371 is still under consideration as development continues.
Why it mattersThe trial aims to provide a new, potentially longer-lasting prevention method for malaria, a disease that remains a public health concern in Rwanda.