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DHA - PPQ group
DHA-PPQ is a fixed-dose combination of dihydroartemisinin and piperaquine that kills malaria parasites by generating reactive oxygen species and disrupting parasite hemoglobin digestion.
DHA-PPQ is a fixed-dose combination of dihydroartemisinin and piperaquine that kills malaria parasites by generating reactive oxygen species and disrupting parasite hemoglobin digestion. Used for Uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi.
At a glance
| Generic name | DHA - PPQ group |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, Vietnam |
| Drug class | Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) |
| Target | Malaria parasite (Plasmodium spp.) — multiple targets including heme detoxification pathway and protein synthesis |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease / Parasitology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a semi-synthetic artemisinin derivative, acts rapidly against malaria parasites by generating free radicals that damage parasite proteins and organelles. Piperaquine is a bisquinoline that accumulates in the parasite's food vacuole and inhibits hemoglobin digestion and heme detoxification. The combination provides rapid parasite clearance (DHA) with extended post-treatment prophylaxis (piperaquine's long half-life).
Approved indications
- Uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi
Common side effects
- Headache
- Fever
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
Key clinical trials
- Investigating the Pharmacology of Tafenoquine in Papua New Guinean Children With Uncomplicated Malaria (PHASE4)
- Evaluation of Three Artemisinin-based Combinations for the Treatment of Uncomplicated Malaria in Childreen in Burkina Faso (CHIMIO2) (PHASE4)
- P. Falciparum Resistance to Artemisinin in Vietnam (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 |
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