Last reviewed · How we verify
Mefloquine and Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine
Mefloquine and Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine is a Antimalarial combination Small molecule drug developed by University of Oxford. It is currently FDA-approved for Malaria treatment and prevention (Plasmodium falciparum and other species).
This combination antimalarial works by disrupting parasite blood-stage development through multiple mechanisms: mefloquine inhibits heme polymerization in the parasite digestive vacuole, while dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine generates reactive oxygen species and inhibits parasite protein synthesis.
This combination antimalarial works by disrupting parasite blood-stage development through multiple mechanisms: mefloquine inhibits heme polymerization in the parasite digestive vacuole, while dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine generates reactive oxygen species and inhibits parasite protein synthesis. Used for Malaria treatment and prevention (Plasmodium falciparum and other species).
At a glance
| Generic name | Mefloquine and Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University of Oxford |
| Drug class | Antimalarial combination |
| Target | Parasite heme polymerase (mefloquine); parasite proteins and lipids (dihydroartemisinin); hemozoin (piperaquine) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Mefloquine is a quinoline antimalarial that accumulates in the parasite's food vacuole and prevents detoxification of heme, leading to parasite death. Dihydroartemisinin (the active metabolite of artemisinin) generates free radicals that damage parasite proteins and membranes, while piperaquine provides additional blood schizonticide activity. The combination targets different parasite pathways, reducing resistance development.
Approved indications
- Malaria treatment and prevention (Plasmodium falciparum and other species)
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Neuropsychiatric effects (mefloquine component)
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
Key clinical trials
- Compare the Effectiveness Between Existing Treatment and New Treatment (NA)
- Study to Compare the Triple ACT AL+AQ With the ACT AL in Cambodia and Vietnam (PHASE3)
- 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)
- Malaria Elimination Pilot Study in Military Forces in Cambodia (PHASE4)
- Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine + Mefloquine Compared to Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine or Artesunate-mefloquine in Patients With Uncomplicated Falciparum Malaria in Cambodia (PHASE1)
- A Study by the Tracking Resistance to Artemisinin Collaboration (TRAC) (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Antimalaria Drugs Susceptibility Testing for an Effective Management of Infected Patients in Sub-Sahara Africa (PHASE3)
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:
- Mefloquine and Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Mefloquine and Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Oxford portfolio CI
Frequently asked questions about Mefloquine and Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine
What is Mefloquine and Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine?
How does Mefloquine and Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine work?
What is Mefloquine and Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine used for?
Who makes Mefloquine and Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine?
What drug class is Mefloquine and Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine in?
What development phase is Mefloquine and Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine in?
What are the side effects of Mefloquine and Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine?
What does Mefloquine and Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine target?
Related
- Drug class: All Antimalarial combination drugs
- Target: All drugs targeting Parasite heme polymerase (mefloquine); parasite proteins and lipids (dihydroartemisinin); hemozoin (piperaquine)
- Manufacturer: University of Oxford — full pipeline
- Therapeutic area: All drugs in Infectious Disease
- Indication: Drugs for Malaria treatment and prevention (Plasmodium falciparum and other species)
- Compare: Mefloquine and Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine vs similar drugs
- Pricing: Mefloquine and Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine cost, discount & access