This project is focused on the synthesis and development of at least one novel insecticide based on a known insecticide backbone with the potential to control malaria vectors and crop pests, including those with an acquired cytochrome P450 dependent (monooxygenase based) resistance mechanism. The new product will involve novel chemistry and approaches that are fully patentable. Utilising the insecticide backbone as a starting template will increase the probability of producing a molecule with appropriate development characteristics and will also help to ensure that the new insecticide could be produced using existing plant capacity, thereby reducing the cost of development and production significantly.
In the first phase of the project the initial 200 lead compounds have been synthesised and activity has been demonstrated against resistant strains for a number of these compounds. The compounds that have showing activity are now being optimised and taken through further secondary screening programmes as well as continued screening against resistant and susceptible mosquito strains to select candidates for further development.
The aim of the project is to produce an optimised list of potential development candidates by the end of 2010 which can be considered for the next phase of the new active ingredient development process.