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Arterakine (DHA/piperaquine)
Arterakine combines dihydroartemisinin (a fast-acting artemisinin derivative) with piperaquine (a long-acting quinoline) to kill malaria parasites through multiple mechanisms including rapid parasite clearance and sustained suppression.
Arterakine combines dihydroartemisinin (a fast-acting artemisinin derivative) with piperaquine (a long-acting quinoline) to kill malaria parasites through multiple mechanisms including rapid parasite clearance and sustained suppression. Used for Uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, Uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax.
At a glance
| Generic name | Arterakine (DHA/piperaquine) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Vietnam |
| Drug class | Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) |
| Target | Plasmodium falciparum and other malaria parasites (multiple targets including heme polymerization and oxidative stress pathways) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Dihydroartemisinin acts rapidly by generating reactive oxygen species that damage parasite membranes and proteins, while piperaquine provides prolonged antimalarial activity by inhibiting parasite heme polymerization. The combination leverages the speed of artemisinin derivatives with the sustained efficacy of quinolines, reducing treatment duration and improving cure rates while minimizing resistance development.
Approved indications
- Uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum
- Uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax
Common side effects
- Headache
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
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 |
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