Aptamer-based therapeutics for malaria and neglected tropical diseases

Malaria and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect over 1 billion people worldwide. Both disease categories share overlapping geographical regions, dependence on broad-spectrum treatments and common vectors, justifying their co-consideration as a unified therapeutic challenge. The broad-spectrum action of current treatments renders them susceptible to emerging drug resistance and off-target toxicity, which requires platforms that are specific yet effective across diverse pathogens. Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides that fold into three-dimensional structures, enabling high-affinity binding to specific molecular targets and functioning as direct therapeutics or targeted delivery vehicles. We evaluate aptamers developed for malaria and NTDs, classify them into direct and delivery therapeutics and map candidates by preclinical validation stage, thereby constructing a translational road map that positions aptamers as a structurally adaptable platform addressing unmet treatment needs.