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NCT06607003 · National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

Induced Blood-Stage Malaria in Healthy Malaria-Naive Adults to Assess the Safety and Infectivity of Plasmodium Vivax Challenge Agent and Evaluate Transmission in Mosquito Feeding Assays

What this study is about

Background: Malaria is a disease caused by parasites transmitted to people by mosquitoes. Around the world, there were 241 million cases and 627,000 deaths from malaria in 2020. Researchers are working to develop vaccines and treatments for this disease.

View original scientific description

Background: Malaria is a disease caused by parasites transmitted to people by mosquitoes. Around the world, there were 241 million cases and 627,000 deaths from malaria in 2020. Researchers are working to develop vaccines and treatments for this disease. Objective: To learn how malaria develops in people; how the body's immune system reacts to malaria; and how malaria spreads from people to mosquitoes. Eligibility: Healthy people in the Washington DC area, aged 18 to 54 years. They cannot live alone during parts of the study. Design: Participants will be infected with a parasite that causes malaria. The parasite will be in donated blood; it will be given through an IV. Participants will likely develop symptoms within a week after the injection. Researchers will call daily to check on their health. After about 6 days, participants will come to the NIH clinic each day for blood tests. Participants will check in to the NIH clinic around 10 days after the injection. They will stay in the clinic 3 to 6 days. They will have multiple blood tests every day. Participants will be bitten by mosquitoes up to 4 times. Cups containing mosquitoes will be held against their skin for 15 minutes. Participants will begin taking chloroquine close to the end of their clinic stay. Chloroquine is a pill taken by mouth once or twice a day for 3 days. It is FDA-approved to treat malaria. Participants will have follow-up visits 1 and 3 weeks after discharge.

Who can participate

This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.

Inclusion criteria

  • All of the following criteria must be fulfilled for a participant to undergo IBSM:
  • Age \>=18 and \<=54 years.
  • RBCs positive for Duffy antigen/chemokine receptor.
  • Malaria comprehension exam passed prior to study activities.
  • Suitable accommodation and reliable access to the NIHCC for the duration of the study in the opinion of the investigator.
  • Persons of childbearing potential must be willing to use reliable contraception from 28 days prior to challenge agent administration to the end of study.
  • Signing of the informed consent form.
  • Agreement to not live alone from challenge agent administration until the completion of antimalarial treatment.
  • Agreement to long-term storage of study samples for future research.

Exclusion criteria

  • A participant will be excluded from participating in this trial if any 1 of the following criteria is fulfilled:
  • Planned travel to a P. vivax-endemic area during the study period (see https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/travelers/country\_table/a.html).
  • History of travel to or residence in a P. vivax malaria-endemic region for more than 2 weeks during the past 2 years.
  • Prior confirmed P. vivax malaria diagnosis or clinical history consistent with likely P. vivax infection. At the investigator's discretion, participants may be enrolled if the exposure was remote, e.g., \> 5 years ago.
  • Poor peripheral venous access, at the discretion of the investigator.
  • For persons of childbearing potential:
  • Currently pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning on becoming pregnant or breastfeeding until the end of study.
  • Rh blood group negative.
  • Being a current or former study team member or clinical trial staff with direct involvement of the trial, or being an employee supervised by a study team member.
  • Unwillingness to defer blood donations for at least 3 years.
  • Use of any of the following within the specified periods:
  • Investigational P. vivax vaccine within the last 2 years.
  • Malaria chemoprophylaxis within 3 months of Day 0.
  • Chronic systemic immunosuppressive medications (\>14 days) within 6 months (e.g., cytotoxic medications, adrenocorticotrophic hormone, or oral/parental corticosteroids equivalent to \>0.5 mg/kg/day of prednisone). Corticosteroid nasal spray for allergic rhinitis and topical corticosteroids for mild, uncomplicated dermatitis are allowed.
  • Prior receipt of packed red cells or other blood products or immunoglobulins within the previous 6 months.
  • Systemic antibiotics or medications with potential antimalarial effects less than 28 days before Day 0 (e.g., clindamycin, chloroquine, benzodiazepines, tetracycline, azithromycin, or doxycycline).
  • Investigational product or vaccine less than 28 days before Day 0.
  • Receipt of any vaccination less than 28 days before Day 0.
  • Current or planned use of medications known to significantly prolong the QT interval or otherwise interfere with study agents.
  • Smoking more than 5 cigarettes or equivalent per day and unable to stop smoking for the duration of admission. Participants may smoke up to 5 cigarettes or equivalent per day for the rest of the study (by attestation).
  • History of alcohol use disorder (exceptions may be made at the investigator's discretion if they have completed treatment or are otherwise currently abstinent) or refusal to agree to refrain from drinking from the day of the challenge agent inoculation until completion of their antimalarial course.
  • Clinically significant medical condition, physical examination findings, other clinically significant abnormal laboratory results, or past medical history including:
  • Immunodeficiency including asplenia or functional asplenia or significant autoimmune disease.
  • Retinal disease, visual field changes, psoriasis, porphyria, or known allergy to chloroquine or artemether/lumefantrine.
  • Cardiac disease including \>10% cardiovascular risk as determined by the non-laboratory method or an abnormal EKG demonstrating a corrected QT interval by Fridericia's formula of \>450 msec or other concerning arrhythmia.
  • Any other medical condition that may have significant implications for current health status and participation in the study, in the opinion of the investigator.
  • History of a severe reaction to arthropod bites, or history of anaphylaxis or severe unexpected allergy to any substance.
  • Screening blood test or urinalysis laboratory parameters outside of local lab normal range (including infectious serologies). Participants may be included at the investigator's discretion for "not clinically significant" values outside of normal range.
  • Any other finding that, in the judgment of the investigator, would interfere with, or serve as a contraindication to, protocol adherence, assessment of safety or reactogenicity, or a participant's ability to give informed consent, or increase the risk of having an adverse outcome from participating in the study. Participants who are determined ineligible to participate for any of the reasons above may be rescreened for eligibility at a later time when the disqualifying condition may be resolved.

Where

  • Bethesda, Maryland

Frequently asked questions

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.

Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 30, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

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Maryland

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What participation can include

  • Study-related care provided by the research team
  • Close monitoring by medical professionals
  • Possible compensation for time and travel*
  • The option to withdraw at any time
  • Contributing to medical research that may help future patients

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Typical next steps

  1. 1.Submit this form
  2. 2.Phone screening
  3. 3.In-person assessment if eligible
  4. 4.Begin participation

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Malaria Treatment Options in Bethesda, Maryland

If you're searching for Malaria treatment in Bethesda, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in Bethesda and surrounding areas.

Clinical trials offer participants the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments while contributing to medical research that may help future patients with Malaria. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
1 locations in Maryland
Now Enrolling
Up to 300 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Malaria?

Potential Benefits

  • Access to new treatment approaches before public availability
  • Close monitoring by experienced medical professionals
  • Study-related care provided at no cost
  • Contribute to medical research for Malaria

What to Expect

  • Initial screening to determine eligibility
  • Regular check-ups and monitoring visits
  • Possible compensation for time and travel
  • You can withdraw at any time

Frequently Asked Questions About This Malaria Study

Important Clinical Trial Information

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial participation involves potential risks and benefits. Eligibility requirements apply and will be assessed during the screening process.

Study identifier: NCT06607003. For complete study details, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your medical care or participating in clinical research.