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artemisinin/naphthoquine
Artemisinin acts as an antimalarial by generating reactive oxygen species that damage parasite proteins and membranes, while naphthoquine inhibits parasite heme polymerization and electron transport.
Artemisinin acts as an antimalarial by generating reactive oxygen species that damage parasite proteins and membranes, while naphthoquine inhibits parasite heme polymerization and electron transport. Used for Uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum.
At a glance
| Generic name | artemisinin/naphthoquine |
|---|---|
| Also known as | ARCO® |
| Sponsor | Ifakara Health Institute |
| Drug class | Antimalarial combination |
| Target | Plasmodium falciparum heme metabolism and mitochondrial electron transport |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Artemisinin is activated by ferrous iron in Plasmodium parasites, creating free radicals that cause oxidative damage to parasite proteins and lipids. Naphthoquine, a quinoline derivative, works synergistically by inhibiting the conversion of toxic heme to hemozoin and disrupting the parasite's mitochondrial electron transport chain. This combination provides rapid parasite clearance and reduces the risk of resistance development.
Approved indications
- Uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
Key clinical trials
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:
- artemisinin/naphthoquine CI brief — competitive landscape report
- artemisinin/naphthoquine updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Ifakara Health Institute portfolio CI