PhD student at University of N’Djamena in Chad.
Souleyman Hassan is a dedicated biochemist and PhD student at the University of N’Djamena, Chad, whose work focuses on discovering novel small molecules to combat malaria and related parasitic diseases. His research bridges traditional medicinal knowledge with modern computational and experimental approaches, such as bio-guided fractionation and high-throughput screening. He has collaborated with global pharmaceutical leaders including MMV, Pfizer, Merck, H3D, and Johnson & Johnson, contributing to the identification of potent antimalarial compounds, notably the picomolar pyrazole derivative MMV1794211. As an ambassador for SPARK Africa and an active member of ISSX Africa, he advocates for advancing research capacity across the continent. Souleyman has also co-founded EcoFast, reflecting his commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. With support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, DAAD, and Grand Challenges Africa, his work exemplifies the integration of academic research, industrial collaboration, and social impact in the fight against malaria.
Professional Profile
ORCID
Education
Souleyman Hassan is pursuing a PhD in Biochemistry at the University of N’Djamena, Chad. His doctoral research centers on malaria therapeutics, particularly the discovery and optimization of natural and synthetic molecules targeting resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains. He gained academic enrichment through the YaBiNaPA project (Yaoundé–Bielefeld Graduate School for Natural Products with Antiparasite and Antibacterial Activity), funded by DAAD, where he developed expertise in bio-guided fractionation, pharmacokinetic optimization, and parasite assays. His training also includes exposure to computational drug discovery and structure-based screening, providing him with a dual skillset bridging wet-lab and in silico research. Souleyman has benefited from workshops and collaborations with the University of Yaoundé I, the University of South Florida, and multiple pharmaceutical partners, where he strengthened his understanding of global health research pipelines. His educational journey reflects a strong commitment to integrating African research excellence with international scientific standards.
Experience
Souleyman Hassan has gained diverse research and industrial experience through collaborations with international pharmaceutical companies and research institutions. His work with Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) provided hands-on experience in screening open-access compound libraries such as the COVID Box, Malaria Box, and Pathogens Box, evaluating their antiparasitic activity. His involvement in the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation-funded project led to the discovery of highly potent antiplasmodial pyrazole derivatives, underscoring his contribution to frontline drug discovery efforts. Additionally, he has worked on plant-based drug leads, such as Drymaria cordata and Macaranga monandra, used traditionally against malaria. Souleyman is also engaged with community and academic organizations as a member of ISSX, SPARK Africa, and the Association of Health Sciences Researchers in Chad. His co-founding of EcoFast illustrates his ability to extend research innovations into entrepreneurial ventures, reflecting an applied dimension to his academic expertise.
Research Focus
Souleyman Hassan’s research focuses on the biochemistry and pharmacology of antimalarial drug discovery. He integrates natural product isolation with computational methods to identify promising bioactive molecules and improve pharmacokinetics. His focus extends to high-throughput screening of both natural and synthetic libraries, enabling the rapid identification of potent leads such as MMV1794211, which showed picomolar-level activity against resistant Plasmodium falciparum. His research also explores the repurposing of existing molecules, reducing the cost and time of developing antiparasitic drugs. By combining indigenous plant knowledge, such as investigations into Terminalia ivorensis and Mitragyna inermis, with modern medicinal chemistry approaches, his work represents a fusion of traditional wisdom and cutting-edge science. This dual focus positions his research at the forefront of global health innovation, tackling neglected tropical diseases and contributing to the broader fight against drug resistance in malaria and other parasites.
Publication Top Notes
Title: Unveiling the antimalarial properties of Terminalia ivorensis stem bark aqueous extract
Journal: International Journal of Plant-Based Pharmaceuticals, April 2024.
Summary: Validated traditional use of T. ivorensis with in vivo tests and docking studies, confirming strong antimalarial potential.
Title: Discovery of a picomolar antiplasmodial pyrazole derivative from MMV Global Health Priority Box
Journal: VeriXiv, October 16, 2024.
Authors: Mariscal Brice Tchatat Tali; Darline Dize; Aubin Youbi Kamche; Boniface Pone Kamdem; Souleyman Hassan; et al.
Summary: Identified MMV1794211, a pyrazole derivative with exceptional potency (IC50 < 10 pM) against resistant Plasmodium falciparum.
Title: Bio-guided investigation of Mitragyna inermis unveils natural isolates with cross-activity against Plasmodium falciparum
Journal: Journal of Ethnopharmacology, August 7, 2025.
Summary: Discovered compounds from M. inermis effective against both sensitive and multidrug-resistant malaria strains.
Title: Targeting the intra-erythrocytic life cycle of Plasmodium falciparum using Drymaria cordata and Macaranga monandra
Journal: Journal of Ethnopharmacology, January 2025.
Summary: Identified plant-based compounds disrupting parasite life cycle, providing new antimalarial drug leads.
Conclusion
Souleyman Hassan shows strong potential and suitability for the Best Researcher Award, particularly in the context of young, early-career scientists making impactful contributions to neglected tropical diseases research. His innovative use of open-access compound libraries, his integration of computational and experimental drug discovery, and his discovery of highly potent antiplasmodial derivatives all point to significant promise. With further consolidation through high-impact publications, translational applications, and expanded international collaborations, he is well on track to becoming a leading figure in the field of global health drug discovery.
