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PQ (0.4)
PQ (0.4) is an antimalarial drug that works by disrupting the parasite's ability to metabolize heme, leading to its death.
PQ (0.4) is an antimalarial drug that works by disrupting the parasite's ability to metabolize heme, leading to its death. Used for Radical cure of Plasmodium vivax malaria, Treatment of Plasmodium ovale malaria.
At a glance
| Generic name | PQ (0.4) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Primaquine |
| Sponsor | London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine |
| Drug class | 8-aminoquinoline |
| Target | Heme |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Diseases |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
PQ (0.4) specifically targets the heme detoxification pathway in Plasmodium parasites, converting heme into hemozoin, which is toxic to the parasite. This action leads to the destruction of the parasite within the host's red blood cells.
Approved indications
- Radical cure of Plasmodium vivax malaria
- Treatment of Plasmodium ovale malaria
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Headache
Key clinical trials
- Primaquine's Gametocytocidal Efficacy in Malaria Asymptomatic Carriers (PHASE3)
- Evaluation of the Safety of Primaquine in Combination With Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine in G6PD Deficient Males in The Gambia (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Safety of Primaquine + Artemether-lumefantrine in G6PD Deficient Males With an Asymptomatic Malaria Infection (SAFEPRIM) (PHASE2, PHASE3)
Primary sources
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| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |