"Interestingly, the traditional approach to small-molecule manufacture - organic synthesis - has been largely ignored in the pursuit of low-cost artemisinin."
Silas P. Cook · 2013
Malaria, caused by a parasitic infection of the red blood cells and liver, represents one of the most impactful diseases of the last 100 years. Driving tactical decisions of most major Eurasian wars of the 20th century, malaria has also destroyed peacetime economies. Fortunately, untreated malaria has a low rate of mortality, generally below 1%. However, the mortality rate is highest in young children, resulting in greater than 90% of the approximately one million deaths per annum affecting the 5-year-old or younger demographic. Furthermore, one in four adults in endemic countries are unable to work at any given time due to infection, taking an enormous economic toll on these populations. Particularly hard hit are those countries of sub-Saharan Africa where malaria is directly responsible for more than US$40 billion/year in lost productivity, representing a significant reduction of gross domestic product for these nations. Consequently, in terms of transformative goals for the betterment of sub-Saha