Last Updated: 23/06/2026

A controlled human malaria infection study to evaluate the antimalarial activity of MK-7602 against Plasmodium falciparum blood stage infection in healthy adult participants

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to assess the antimalarial activity, pharmacokinetics, and safety of MK-7602 in healthy adults following Plasmodium falciparum infection.

Principal Institution

Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD), United States

Principal Investigators / Focal Persons

David B. Olsen

Rationale and Abstract

The rising threat of antimalarial drug resistance necessitates the rapid clinical translation of therapeutic candidates with novel mechanisms of action. This project evaluates the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of MK-7602, a first-in-class, dual-action inhibitor targeting two essential parasitic aspartic proteases: plasmepsin IX (PMIX) and plasmepsin X (PMX). By arresting the Plasmodium falciparum life cycle inside red blood cells, this dual-target mechanism offers a high genetic barrier to resistance and the potential to block transmission. Utilizing a Phase 1b, randomized, open-label Controlled Human Malaria Infection (CHMI) model in healthy adult participants, this study characterizes the antimalarial activity of both single and multiple oral doses of MK-7602. The primary objectives are to establish the parasite reduction ratio at 48 hours and define key pharmacokinetic profiles to confirm therapeutic proof-of-concept. Ultimately, these data will determine the drug’s parasite clearance kinetics and establish optimized dosing regimens essential for advancing this novel lineage into Phase 2 field trials.

Study Design