Last reviewed · How we verify
Atovaquone / Proguanil
Atovaquone inhibits parasite mitochondrial electron transport while proguanil inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, together disrupting nucleotide synthesis and energy production in malaria parasites.
Atovaquone inhibits parasite mitochondrial electron transport while proguanil inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, together disrupting nucleotide synthesis and energy production in malaria parasites. Used for Malaria prophylaxis in travelers to endemic areas, Acute uncomplicated malaria treatment.
At a glance
| Generic name | Atovaquone / Proguanil |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Radboud University Medical Center |
| Drug class | Antimalarial combination |
| Target | Mitochondrial electron transport chain (atovaquone); dihydrofolate reductase (proguanil) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Atovaquone acts as an ubiquinone analog that disrupts the mitochondrial electron transport chain in Plasmodium species, collapsing the proton gradient needed for ATP synthesis. Proguanil is a prodrug converted to cycloguanil, which inhibits dihydrofolate reductase and blocks folate-dependent nucleotide synthesis. The combination provides synergistic activity against both erythrocytic and exoerythrocytic stages of the parasite.
Approved indications
- Malaria prophylaxis in travelers to endemic areas
- Acute uncomplicated malaria treatment
Common side effects
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Rash
Key clinical trials
- First-in-Human PfSPZ-LARC2 Vaccination/CHMI (PHASE1)
- Efficacy, Safety, and PK of M5717 in Combination With Pyronaridine as Chemoprevention in Adults and Adolescents With Asymptomatic Plasmodium Falciparum Infection (CAPTURE-2) (PHASE2)
- A Study to Evaluate Antimalarial Activity and Safety of MK-7602 in Healthy Adults (MK-7602-003) (PHASE1)
- Safety and Efficacy of NF135 CPS Immunization (NA)
- Atoguanil BA Study (PHASE1)
- Study to Evaluate the Influence of Tegoprazan on the Pharmacokinetics of Proguanil in Healthy Volunteers (PHASE1)
- Effect of Antimalarial Drugs to Rabies Vaccine for Post-exposure Prophylaxis. (PHASE4)
- Malarone Pharmacokinetics Under Simulated Physiologic Stressors of Deployment (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:
- Atovaquone / Proguanil CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Atovaquone / Proguanil updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Radboud University Medical Center portfolio CI