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Artemether+Lumefantrine (AL)
Artemether and lumefantrine work synergistically to kill malaria parasites by disrupting their hemoglobin metabolism and causing oxidative damage.
Artemether and lumefantrine work synergistically to kill malaria parasites by disrupting their hemoglobin metabolism and causing oxidative damage. Used for Uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi, Malaria treatment in endemic regions.
At a glance
| Generic name | Artemether+Lumefantrine (AL) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | AL, Coartem |
| Sponsor | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
| Drug class | Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) |
| Target | Parasite heme metabolism; hemozoin formation |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Artemether, a semi-synthetic artemisinin derivative, rapidly kills early-stage malaria parasites by generating reactive oxygen species that damage parasite proteins and DNA. Lumefantrine, a long-acting antimalarial, inhibits parasite heme polymerization and prevents the formation of hemozoin crystals, leading to parasite death. Together, they provide rapid parasite clearance and sustained suppression of parasitemia.
Approved indications
- Uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi
- Malaria treatment in endemic regions
Common side effects
- Headache
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- Palpitations
Key clinical trials
- OPTImizing Malaria And HIV Treatment in a Shifting Landscape in Africa (PHASE4)
- CHILD (Child Health and Infection With Low Density) Malaria (NA)
- Health Systems Implementation and Molecular Surveillance of Multiple First-Line Treatments for Uncomplicated Malaria in Western Kenya
- Impact of Malaria Mass Drug Administration on Malaria Prevalence in Under 15 Children and Pregnant Women (NA)
- Improving Neonatal Health Through Rapid Malaria Testing in Early Pregnancy With High-Sensitivity Diagnostics (PHASE4)
- Safety of Antimalarials in the FIRst trimEster (PHASE3)
- A Study to Find Out if a Combination of 3 Medicines for the Treatment of Malaria Works as Well and is as Safe and Tolerable as Combinations of 2 Medicines (PHASE3)
- 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)
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 |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Artemether+Lumefantrine (AL) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Artemether+Lumefantrine (AL) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention portfolio CI