Nigerian scientists have recorded a major breakthrough that could change how malaria drugs are developed worldwide, placing Nigeria firmly on the global scientific map. The achievement was led by researchers at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, who successfully solved and deposited an important malaria protein structure in an international scientific database for the first time.
The research focused on Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for the deadliest form of malaria. The team determined the crystal structure of a key parasite enzyme called transketolase while it was bound to a chemical inhibitor. This structure has now been deposited in the Protein Data Bank, a global library used by scientists around the world to design and improve medicines. What makes the deposit historic is that it is the first entry in the database produced entirely by Nigerian scientists.
The work was carried out in the laboratory of Dr. Olatomide Fadare, an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Obafemi Awolowo University. Although he was originally trained in synthetic organic chemistry, his research has expanded into medicinal chemistry, where he combines chemical design, computer-based analysis and biological testing to create new drug candidates. His current focus is malaria, a disease that continues to kill hundreds of thousands of people each year, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
According to Dr. Fadare, malaria treatment has always faced the problem of drug resistance. Over time, the parasite adapts to existing medicines, making them less effective. He explained that unless scientists continue to develop new drugs that attack the parasite in different ways, resistance will continue to spread. This growing challenge is one of the main reasons his team is working to identify new drug targets.
Transketolase plays a vital role in the parasite’s metabolism and survival. For many years, scientists knew it was a promising drug target but lacked detailed experimental data about its structure. Without that information, most researchers had to rely on computer models, which limited how accurately drugs could be designed. By successfully producing, engineering and crystallising the protein, the Nigerian-led team removed this long-standing obstacle.
The project was completed through a collaboration involving Nigerian scientists working in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. While Dr Fadare’s laboratory designed and synthesised new chemical compounds in Ile-Ife, collaborators abroad handled protein cloning, expression, crystallisation, inhibition testing and advanced data analysis. The work was coordinated across multiple countries but remained Nigerian-driven in leadership and authorship.
Beyond solving the protein structure, the researchers have already identified several small molecules that strongly block the parasite’s transketolase enzyme. Importantly, these compounds show little effect on the human version of the same enzyme. Fadare explained that although humans also have transketolase, there are small but meaningful differences between the human and parasite proteins. These differences make it possible to design drugs that kill the parasite without harming the patient.
The next stage of the research will focus on improving these promising compounds, making them more effective and more selective. The long-term goal is to develop a new class of antimalarial drugs that can overcome resistance and remain effective for many years.
Fadare also used the breakthrough to draw attention to wider challenges facing scientific research in Nigeria and across Africa. He noted that most medicines and pharmaceutical ingredients used in Nigeria are imported, even though local scientists have the knowledge needed to produce them. He said the lack of strong research funding, industrial support and manufacturing capacity continues to slow progress and drives many young scientists to seek opportunities abroad.
Despite these challenges, he believes the breakthrough shows what is possible when local talent is supported and connected to global research networks. He stressed the importance of mentoring young scientists and building long-term collaborations that can strengthen Nigeria’s position in medical research and drug development.
According to him, sustained investment in science and technology is essential for improving healthcare and reducing dependence on foreign medicines. With the right support, he believes Nigeria can play a leading role in developing future treatments for diseases that affect millions of people across Africa and beyond.
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