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Atovaquone Oral Suspension
Atovaquone inhibits the cytochrome bc1 complex in the mitochondrial electron transport chain of parasites, disrupting energy production and causing parasite death.
Atovaquone inhibits the cytochrome bc1 complex in the mitochondrial electron transport chain of parasites, disrupting energy production and causing parasite death. Used for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis and treatment, Malaria (Plasmodium falciparum) treatment, particularly in combination with proguanil.
At a glance
| Generic name | Atovaquone Oral Suspension |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Wellvone |
| Sponsor | University of Oxford |
| Drug class | Antiparasitic agent |
| Target | Cytochrome bc1 complex (Complex III) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Atovaquone is a hydroxynaphthoquinone that selectively targets the mitochondrial respiratory chain of Plasmodium species and Pneumocystis jirovecii. By inhibiting the cytochrome bc1 complex (Complex III), it prevents electron transport and collapses the mitochondrial membrane potential, leading to rapid ATP depletion and parasite death. This mechanism is particularly effective against these organisms while having minimal impact on human mitochondrial function due to structural differences in the target enzyme.
Approved indications
- Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis and treatment
- Malaria (Plasmodium falciparum) treatment, particularly in combination with proguanil
Common side effects
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
Key clinical trials
- Atovaquone With Radical ChemorADIotherapy in Locally Advanced NSCLC (PHASE1)
- Atovaquone Combined With Radiation in Children With Malignant Brain Tumors (PHASE1)
- Single Oral Dose Study of Atovaquone/Proguanil Hydrochloride Combination Tablets and Atovaquone Suspension (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 |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Atovaquone Oral Suspension CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Atovaquone Oral Suspension updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Oxford portfolio CI