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Artemether, Lumefantrine Drug Combination
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, Malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium malariae.
At a glance
| Generic name | Artemether, Lumefantrine Drug Combination |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Coartem® |
| Sponsor | University of Yaounde 1 |
| Drug class | Antimalarial combination |
| Target | Plasmodium falciparum heme and mitochondrial function |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Artemether, a semi-synthetic artemisinin derivative, rapidly kills malaria parasites by generating reactive oxygen species that damage parasite proteins and DNA. Lumefantrine, a biguanide-like compound, inhibits parasite heme polymerization and disrupts mitochondrial function. Together, they provide rapid parasite clearance and extended post-treatment suppression of parasitemia.
Approved indications
- Uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum
- Malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium malariae
Common side effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Palpitations
- QT prolongation
Key clinical trials
- First-in-Human PfSPZ-LARC2 Vaccination/CHMI (PHASE1)
- Platform Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Anti-malarial Agents in Participants With Uncomplicated Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria (Cohort B2) (PHASE2)
- Investigating the Pharmacology of Tafenoquine in Papua New Guinean Children With Uncomplicated Malaria (PHASE4)
- OPTImizing Malaria And HIV Treatment in a Shifting Landscape in Africa (PHASE4)
- CHILD (Child Health and Infection With Low Density) Malaria (NA)
- Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of KLU156 in Adults and Children With Uncomplicated P. Falciparum Malaria (PHASE3)
- 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)
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 |
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