Study shows promise in targeting the parasite that causes malaria

New approach targets parasites that cause malaria instead of mosquitoes that carry them

By Angela Yeager May 21, 2025 Portland, Oregon

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OHSU researchers have discovered a chemical compound that, when applied to insecticide-treated bed nets, effectively kills the malaria-causing parasite in mosquitoes. This breakthrough could significantly impact the fight against malaria, which claims over half a million lives annually. (OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks)

Michael Riscoe, Ph.D. (OHSU)

Michael Riscoe lab

Eradicating malaria

Michael Riscoe, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Molecular Biology and Immunology at Oregon Health & Science University, is involved in a multi-institutional study published in Nature. The study demonstrates that combining drugs that kill the malaria-causing parasite with insecticide-treated bed nets can reduce infection rates. (OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks)