Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

PQ (0.2)

PQ is a primaquine analog that acts as an 8-aminoquinoline antimalarial targeting the hypnozoite stage of Plasmodium vivax and P. ovale parasites.

PQ is a primaquine analog that acts as an 8-aminoquinoline antimalarial targeting the hypnozoite stage of Plasmodium vivax and P. ovale parasites. Used for Radical cure of Plasmodium vivax malaria, Radical cure of Plasmodium ovale malaria, Prevention of malaria relapse.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

PQ (0.2) refers to a formulation of primaquine or a primaquine-like compound at 0.2 mg/kg dosing. It works by generating reactive oxygen species within parasitized cells, particularly targeting the dormant liver stage (hypnozoites) of relapsing malarias. This mechanism enables radical cure by preventing relapses that occur weeks to months after initial blood-stage infection.

Approved indications

• Radical cure of Plasmodium vivax malaria
• Radical cure of Plasmodium ovale malaria
• Prevention of malaria relapse

Common side effects

• Hemolysis in G6PD-deficient patients
• Gastrointestinal disturbance
• Methemoglobinemia

Key clinical trials

• SIMBRINZA® Suspension BID as an Adjunctive to Prostaglandin Analogue (PGA) (PHASE4)
• Primaquine's Gametocytocidal Efficacy in Malaria Asymptomatic Carriers (PHASE3)

Primary sources

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Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• PQ (0.2) CI brief — competitive landscape report
• PQ (0.2) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine portfolio CI