Employing (Home) Organisation: Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike Ebonyi State
Project title: Redox mechanisms and antioxidant inhibitors for detecting and tackling antimalarial drug resistance
I started my career in the pharmaceutical industry where I interfaced with healthcare providers. Worried and curious over so many unmet needs in the patients’ journey, I became a researcher to detect, and proffer solutions to the unmet needs. I am an early career scientist (PhD in Pharmacological Biochemistry) with a focus on antimalaria resistance surveillance. I use a combination of in vitro drug assays and genomic tools, to explain the basis of resistance and proffering solutions to combat resistance. The AREF fellowship will lay a formidable foundation for my research career.
Summary of Project Destination
Malaria remains a global challenge, especially in Africa partly due to recurrent antimalarial drug resistance which is the fate of almost all the antimalarials. We are therefore proposing a paradigm shift in paradigm shift, termed “The Redox Approach” to detect and proffer solutions to incessant drug resistance.
Research question: Is the failure of antimalarials (artemisinin) redox-mediated and is a combination of antimalarial and antioxidant inhibitors effective on natural drug-resistant isolates of P. falciparum?
To answer the research question, I determine the antioxidant capacity of the field isolates and genotype for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) in Artemisinin-resistant genes
The outcome of this redox-based approach can stop the continuous search for newer antimalarial, improving and reducing the burden of malaria on the populace.
Summary of Fellowship Plan
My HO, MRCG is reputed for quality research in tropical diseases like malaria with sophisticated equipment and personnel for adequate training, especially in the area of genomics which is essential for my future research. My EO is an upcoming institution that is receptive to innovations that improve the quality of research and development in the institution. After my training, my EO will therefore provide me with maximal support during and after the fellowship to ensure full implementation of the objectives.
Quote
“Tackle redox pathways in malaria parasites, overcome antimalarial drugs drug failure”
Dr. Chinedu Ogbonnia Egwu expects to start his fellowship in July 2025