Last reviewed · How we verify
Artesunate/mefloquine (AS/MQ)
Artesunate/mefloquine (AS/MQ) is a Antimalarial combination Small molecule drug developed by Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Thailand. It is currently FDA-approved for Uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, Malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax, ovale, and malariae. Also known as: Mequin.
Artesunate and mefloquine are antimalarial agents that work synergistically to kill malaria parasites through distinct mechanisms: artesunate generates reactive oxygen species that damage parasite proteins and DNA, while mefloquine disrupts parasite membrane function and metabolism.
Artesunate and mefloquine are antimalarial agents that work synergistically to kill malaria parasites through distinct mechanisms: artesunate generates reactive oxygen species that damage parasite proteins and DNA, while mefloquine disrupts parasite membrane function and metabolism. Used for Uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, Malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax, ovale, and malariae.
At a glance
| Generic name | Artesunate/mefloquine (AS/MQ) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Mequin |
| Sponsor | Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Thailand |
| Drug class | Antimalarial combination |
| Target | Plasmodium falciparum (parasite); artesunate targets heme-dependent pathways; mefloquine targets parasite membrane and heme detoxification |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Artesunate, a semi-synthetic artemisinin derivative, is activated by heme iron in parasites to form reactive oxygen species that cause oxidative damage to parasite proteins and nucleic acids. Mefloquine is a quinoline antimalarial that concentrates in the parasite's food vacuole and interferes with heme detoxification and membrane integrity. The combination provides rapid parasite clearance (artesunate) with extended post-treatment suppression (mefloquine), reducing recrudescence and transmission.
Approved indications
- Uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum
- Malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax, ovale, and malariae
Common side effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Neuropsychiatric effects (anxiety, insomnia, nightmares)
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Cardiac arrhythmias (rare)
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)
- Targeting High Risk Populations With Enhanced Reactive Focal Mass Drug Administration in Thailand (NA)
- Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine + Mefloquine Compared to Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine or Artesunate-mefloquine in Patients With Uncomplicated Falciparum Malaria in Cambodia (PHASE1)
- In Vivo and In Vitro Efficacy of Artemisinin Combination Therapy (PHASE4)
- Safe and Efficacious Artemisinin-based Combination Treatments for African Pregnant Women With Malaria (PHASE3)
- Harmonized AS/MQ Efficacy Study - Thailand (PHASE4)
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/mefloquine (AS/MQ) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Artesunate/mefloquine (AS/MQ) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Thailand portfolio CI
Frequently asked questions about Artesunate/mefloquine (AS/MQ)
What is Artesunate/mefloquine (AS/MQ)?
How does Artesunate/mefloquine (AS/MQ) work?
What is Artesunate/mefloquine (AS/MQ) used for?
Who makes Artesunate/mefloquine (AS/MQ)?
Is Artesunate/mefloquine (AS/MQ) also known as anything else?
What drug class is Artesunate/mefloquine (AS/MQ) in?
What development phase is Artesunate/mefloquine (AS/MQ) in?
What are the side effects of Artesunate/mefloquine (AS/MQ)?
What does Artesunate/mefloquine (AS/MQ) target?
Related
- Drug class: All Antimalarial combination drugs
- Target: All drugs targeting Plasmodium falciparum (parasite); artesunate targets heme-dependent pathways; mefloquine targets parasite membrane and heme detoxification
- Manufacturer: Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Thailand — full pipeline
- Therapeutic area: All drugs in Infectious Disease
- Indication: Drugs for Uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum
- Indication: Drugs for Malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax, ovale, and malariae
- Also known as: Mequin
- Compare: Artesunate/mefloquine (AS/MQ) vs similar drugs
- Pricing: Artesunate/mefloquine (AS/MQ) cost, discount & access