Last reviewed · How we verify
AQ + artesunate
AQ (amodiaquine) and artesunate work synergistically to kill malaria parasites by generating reactive oxygen species and disrupting parasite metabolism.
AQ (amodiaquine) and artesunate work synergistically to kill malaria parasites by generating reactive oxygen species and disrupting parasite metabolism. Used for Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, Artemisinin-resistant malaria (Phase 3 evaluation).
At a glance
| Generic name | AQ + artesunate |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine |
| Drug class | Antimalarial combination |
| Target | Plasmodium falciparum heme detoxification pathway; artemisinin-based mechanism (likely PfATP6 and other targets) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Amodiaquine is a quinoline antimalarial that inhibits heme polymerization and generates oxidative stress in Plasmodium parasites. Artesunate, an artemisinin derivative, acts through a similar oxidative mechanism and also alkylates parasite proteins. The combination leverages complementary modes of action to enhance parasite killing and potentially reduce resistance development.
Approved indications
- Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria
- Artemisinin-resistant malaria (Phase 3 evaluation)
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Diarrhea
Key clinical trials
- OPTImizing Malaria And HIV Treatment in a Shifting Landscape in Africa (PHASE4)
- Health Systems Implementation and Molecular Surveillance of Multiple First-Line Treatments for Uncomplicated Malaria in Western Kenya
- A Trial to Compare the Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of Combinations of 3 Anti-malarial Drugs Against Combina-tions of 2 Anti-malarial Drugs. (PHASE3)
- In Vivo Efficacy of Artemether-Lumefantrine, Amodiaquine-Artesunate, Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine, and Pironaridine-Artesunate in Mozambique (PHASE4)
- Parasite Clearance and Protection from Infection (PCPI) in Cameroon (PHASE3)
- Triple Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy for Delaying Drug Resistance Development - a Randomized Clinical Trial (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Gametocytocidal and Transmission-blocking Efficacy of ASAQ and ALAQ With or Without PQ in Mali (PHASE2)
- Efficacy of Artesunate-amodiaquine and Artemether-lumefantrine for Treatment of Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria in Liberia (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |