Stellenbosch University

Paul William Reader

Lubertus Klumperman

Marina Rautenbach

A peptide-polymer conjugate is provided for use in treating malaria infections, and in particular terminal or drug resistant malaria infections. The conjugate is formed from a polymer to which a peptide having activity against a malaria parasite is co-valently attached. The peptide is a cyclic decapeptide from the closely-related group of tyrocidines, tryptocidines, phenycidines and gramicidin S, and the polymer is a hydrophilic and biocompatible polymer with a terminal thiol, such as poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP). The polymer chains can be decorated with a hydrophilic targeting ligand that specifically targets an epitope on red blood cells, and in particular red blood cells infected with a plasmodial parasite. A method for synthesising the peptide-polymer conjugate is also provided.

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Stellenbosch, South Africa

Paul William Reader