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Mefloquine plus artesunate
This combination uses mefloquine (a quinoline antimalarial) and artesunate (an artemisinin derivative) to kill malaria parasites through complementary mechanisms that reduce drug resistance.
This combination uses mefloquine (a quinoline antimalarial) and artesunate (an artemisinin derivative) to kill malaria parasites through complementary mechanisms that reduce drug resistance. Used for Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, Malaria in endemic regions with artemisinin resistance.
At a glance
| Generic name | Mefloquine plus artesunate |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Medicines for Malaria Venture |
| Drug class | Antimalarial combination therapy |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Mefloquine acts as a blood schizonticide, disrupting the malaria parasite's ability to metabolize hemoglobin and maintain ion balance within infected red blood cells. Artesunate, a fast-acting artemisinin derivative, generates reactive oxygen species that damage parasite proteins and DNA. The combination leverages their different mechanisms and pharmacokinetics to provide rapid parasite clearance and reduce the emergence of drug-resistant strains.
Approved indications
- Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria
- Malaria in endemic regions with artemisinin resistance
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Neuropsychiatric effects (mefloquine-related)
- Abdominal pain
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)
- Targeting High Risk Populations With Enhanced Reactive Focal Mass Drug Administration in Thailand (NA)
- Pyronaridine - Artesunate (3:1) Versus Mefloquine Plus Artesunate in Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria Patients (PHASE3)
- Dose Escalation PfSPZ-CVac (PHASE1)
- Malaria Elimination Pilot Study in Military Forces in Cambodia (PHASE4)
- Drug Combinations of Atovaquone-Proguanil (AP) With ACT (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:
- Mefloquine plus artesunate CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Mefloquine plus artesunate updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Medicines for Malaria Venture portfolio CI