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Mefloquine- Artesunate
Mefloquine and artesunate work synergistically to kill malaria parasites through distinct mechanisms: mefloquine disrupts parasite membrane function while artesunate generates reactive oxygen species that damage parasite proteins and DNA.
Mefloquine and artesunate work synergistically to kill malaria parasites through distinct mechanisms: mefloquine disrupts parasite membrane function while artesunate generates reactive oxygen species that damage parasite proteins and DNA. Used for Malaria (uncomplicated and severe), Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum and other Plasmodium species.
At a glance
| Generic name | Mefloquine- Artesunate |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Mefloquine- Artesunate (Farmaguinhos, Brazil), Artesunato-Mefloquina (Farmaguinhos, Brazil) |
| Sponsor | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
| Drug class | Antimalarial combination |
| Target | Parasite heme detoxification pathway; artemisinin-iron adducts generating reactive oxygen species |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Mefloquine is a quinoline antimalarial that interferes with heme detoxification and parasite membrane integrity. Artesunate is an artemisinin derivative that generates free radicals upon activation by parasite iron, causing oxidative damage to parasite proteins and nucleic acids. The combination provides enhanced efficacy and may reduce resistance development.
Approved indications
- Malaria (uncomplicated and severe)
- Drug-resistant malaria
Common side effects
- Neuropsychiatric effects (dizziness, vertigo, anxiety)
- Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Headache
- Hemolysis (in G6PD deficiency)
- Cardiac arrhythmias
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)
- Compare the Effectiveness Between Existing Treatment and New Treatment (NA)
- 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)
- Pyronaridine - Artesunate (3:1) Versus Mefloquine Plus Artesunate in Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria Patients (PHASE3)
- Dose Escalation PfSPZ-CVac (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:
- Mefloquine- Artesunate CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Mefloquine- Artesunate updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention portfolio CI