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PQ (0.75)
PQ is a primaquine analog that acts as an 8-aminoquinoline antimalarial targeting the hypnozoite stage of Plasmodium parasites in the liver.
PQ is a primaquine analog that acts as an 8-aminoquinoline antimalarial targeting the hypnozoite stage of Plasmodium parasites in the liver. Used for Radical cure of Plasmodium vivax malaria (hypnozoite elimination), Radical cure of Plasmodium ovale malaria (hypnozoite elimination), Prevention of malaria relapse in endemic regions.
At a glance
| Generic name | PQ (0.75) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Primaquine |
| Sponsor | London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine |
| Drug class | 8-aminoquinoline antimalarial |
| Target | Plasmodium hypnozoite (liver stage parasite) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease / Parasitology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
PQ (primaquine at 0.75 mg/kg dose) eliminates dormant liver forms (hypnozoites) of P. vivax and P. ovale malaria parasites, preventing relapse infections. It works by generating reactive oxygen species within infected hepatocytes, thereby achieving radical cure of these relapsing malaria species. The 0.75 dose represents a lower-dose regimen studied for improved tolerability.
Approved indications
- Radical cure of Plasmodium vivax malaria (hypnozoite elimination)
- Radical cure of Plasmodium ovale malaria (hypnozoite elimination)
- Prevention of malaria relapse in endemic regions
Common side effects
- Hemolysis in G6PD-deficient patients
- Abdominal discomfort
- Methemoglobinemia
- Nausea
Key clinical trials
- Mass Vaccine and Drug Administration, Bangladesh (PHASE4)
- Primaquine's Gametocytocidal Efficacy in Malaria Asymptomatic Carriers (PHASE3)
- Determining a Tolerable Dose of Primaquine in G6PD-deficient Persons Without Malaria in Mali (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Impact of Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine Plus Primaquine on Malaria Transmission in Lampung Province, Sumatra (PHASE4)
- Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine and Primaquine for Uncomplicated Plasmodium Falciparum Cases (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:
- PQ (0.75) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- PQ (0.75) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine portfolio CI