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artesunate (AS)
Artesunate generates reactive oxygen species that damage parasite membranes and proteins, killing malaria parasites.
Artesunate generates reactive oxygen species that damage parasite membranes and proteins, killing malaria parasites. Used for Severe malaria (all Plasmodium species), Uncomplicated malaria (artemisinin-based combination therapy component), Cerebral malaria.
At a glance
| Generic name | artesunate (AS) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | AS group |
| Sponsor | London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine |
| Drug class | Artemisinin derivative |
| Target | Plasmodium heme and iron-dependent mechanisms |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Artesunate is a semi-synthetic artemisinin derivative that acts as a prodrug, rapidly converted to dihydroartemisinin in vivo. The active metabolite generates free radicals and reactive oxygen species through interaction with heme and iron, causing oxidative damage to Plasmodium parasites. This mechanism is effective against multiple Plasmodium species and artemisinin-resistant strains.
Approved indications
- Severe malaria (all Plasmodium species)
- Uncomplicated malaria (artemisinin-based combination therapy component)
- Cerebral malaria
Common side effects
- Post-artesunate delayed hemolysis
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
Key clinical trials
- OPTImizing Malaria And HIV Treatment in a Shifting Landscape in Africa (PHASE4)
- Severe Malaria in Remote Areas- Closing the Evidence Gap
- Health Systems Implementation and Molecular Surveillance of Multiple First-Line Treatments for Uncomplicated Malaria in Western Kenya
- Pharmacokinetic Study of IV Artesunate to Treat Children With Severe Malaria (PHASE4)
- To Evaluate Efficacy, Safety, Tolerability and PK of Intravenous Cipargamin in Participants With Severe Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria (PHASE2)
- Feasibility of Intravaginal Artesunate as Adjuvant HPV & Cervical Precancer Treatment in Kenya (PHASE2)
- 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)
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:
- artesunate (AS) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- artesunate (AS) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine portfolio CI