Gene drive modified mosquitoes offer new tool for malaria elimination efforts

Genetic technology co-developed at Imperial could help to eliminate malaria by making mosquitos resistant to the parasite that spreads the disease. Transmission Zero, a research team from Imperial College London in partnership with the Ifakara Health Institute and the National Institute of Medical Research in Tanzania, has developed genetic technology which renders a mosquito unable to transmit the malaria parasite and has a gene drive that ensures that future generations are also resistant to the parasite. The technology could significantly reduce the malaria burden in high-risk countries, saving hundreds of thousands of lives each year, especially among children – who are disproportionately at risk from the disease. “Our technology is equitable, it offers hope in the fight against malaria and doesn’t present economic or social barriers to malaria intervention access.” Professor George K. Christophides Professor of Infectious Disease and Immunity at Imperial College London The wor ... Read full article.