A new drug compound has successfully cured malaria in mice models, according to University of Cape Town (UCT) researchers. Human trials are expected to begin in late 2013.

The compound, which was discovered by the university’s Drug Discovery and Development Centre, safely cured malaria in infected mice through a single oral dose, giving it the potential to cure millions of people every year.

The drug has also been effective at killing strains of malaria that have become resistant to other medicines and could potentially block transmission of malaria from person to person.