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Artesunate (Comparator)
Artesunate is an artemisinin derivative that generates reactive oxygen species and alkylates parasite proteins, killing malaria parasites and other pathogens.
Artesunate is an artemisinin derivative that generates reactive oxygen species and alkylates parasite proteins, killing malaria parasites and other pathogens. Used for Malaria (all Plasmodium species, including severe malaria), Uncomplicated malaria (artemisinin-based combination therapy).
At a glance
| Generic name | Artesunate (Comparator) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Artesunic acid, Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), Artemisinin, Imatinib. Infliximab, Artesunate for Injection |
| Sponsor | Pfizer |
| Drug class | Artemisinin derivative |
| Target | Parasite proteins (non-specific alkylation via reactive oxygen species) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Artesunate is a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin, a natural compound from Artemisia annua. It works by being activated in the acidic food vacuole of malaria parasites, where it generates highly reactive oxygen species and forms covalent bonds with parasite proteins, leading to rapid parasite death. This mechanism is effective against multiple Plasmodium species and has shown activity against other parasites and some cancer cell lines.
Approved indications
- Malaria (all Plasmodium species, including severe malaria)
- Uncomplicated malaria (artemisinin-based combination therapy)
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Fever
Key clinical trials
- To Evaluate Efficacy, Safety, Tolerability and PK of Intravenous Cipargamin in Participants With Severe Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria (PHASE2)
- Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Artesunate (PHASE2)
- Triple Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy for Delaying Drug Resistance Development - a Randomized Clinical Trial (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Comparing Safety and Protective Efficacy of Vaccine Candidate PfSPZ-CVac and MVA ME-TRAP/ ChAd63 ME-TRAP in Adults (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Post-discharge Malaria Chemoprevention(PMC) Study (PHASE3)
- Artemisinin-Based Antimalarial Combinations and Clinical Response in Cameroon (PHASE3)
- Bioequivalence Study Comparing Artesunate Tablet To Arsuamoon® Tablets (Guilin-China) In Healthy Subjects (PHASE1)
- Antimalarial Treatments for Clearing Low Density P. Falciparum and Its Impact on Malaria Transmission (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 (Comparator) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Artesunate (Comparator) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Pfizer portfolio CI