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Artesunate + Mefloquine
Artesunate kills malaria parasites by generating reactive oxygen species that damage parasite proteins and membranes, while mefloquine inhibits parasite heme polymerization and disrupts mitochondrial function.
Artesunate kills malaria parasites by generating reactive oxygen species that damage parasite proteins and membranes, while mefloquine inhibits parasite heme polymerization and disrupts mitochondrial function. Used for Uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, Malaria treatment in endemic regions, particularly Southeast Asia.
At a glance
| Generic name | Artesunate + Mefloquine |
|---|---|
| Also known as | ASMQ, Artesunate-Mefloquine |
| Sponsor | Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Thailand |
| Drug class | Antimalarial combination |
| Target | Plasmodium falciparum (multiple targets: artemisinin-induced reactive oxygen species; mefloquine-heme polymerase inhibition) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Artesunate, a semi-synthetic artemisinin derivative, acts as a fast-acting blood schizonticide that rapidly reduces parasite biomass through oxidative stress mechanisms. Mefloquine is a slower-acting quinoline antimalarial that concentrates in the parasite's food vacuole and prevents detoxification of heme, leading to parasite death. The combination provides complementary rapid and sustained parasite clearance with reduced risk of resistance.
Approved indications
- Uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum
- Malaria treatment in endemic regions, particularly Southeast Asia
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Neuropsychiatric effects (mefloquine-related)
- Abdominal pain
Key clinical trials
- A Trial to Compare the Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of Combinations of 3 Anti-malarial Drugs Against Combina-tions of 2 Anti-malarial Drugs. (PHASE3)
- FocaL Mass Drug Administration for Vivax Malaria Elimination (PHASE3)
- A Trial to Compare the Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of Combinations of 3 Anti-malarial Drugs Against Combinations of 2 Anti-malarial Drugs (Asia) (PHASE3)
- Compare the Effectiveness Between Existing Treatment and New Treatment (NA)
- Targeting High Risk Populations With Enhanced Reactive Focal Mass Drug Administration in Thailand (NA)
- Randomised Trial of 3 Artemisinin Combination Therapy for Malaria in Pregnancy (PHASE3)
- Pyronaridine - Artesunate (3:1) Versus Mefloquine Plus Artesunate in Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria Patients (PHASE3)
- Dose Escalation PfSPZ-CVac (PHASE1)
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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