Phase I malaria study complete

Work on a potential treatment for severe malaria is set to continue after a Phase I study was completed.

It has been revealed that this research showed that the DF02 compound is safe.

This means that research into the drug as a treatment for malaria can continue.

Andres Asell, chief executive officer for Dilafor, the drug development company involved with the tests, commented that it is "happy" with the results of the Phase I study.

He added that the firm will now prepare for clinical trials involving the potential treatment.

Mr Asell said: "The potential drug DF02 shows great promise in solving the important medical need present in developing countries, but there is also an increasing need in the rest of the world."

Earlier this month, former US president Jimmy Carter travelled to the Caribbean in a bid to raise awareness regarding the fight against malaria.

Mr Carter visited sufferers of the disease, political leaders and health workers during his trip.