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Pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine · Phase 3 active Small molecule

Pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine is a Antifolate antimalarial combination Small molecule drug developed by London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, Malaria prophylaxis in endemic regions.

Pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine work together to inhibit folate metabolism in malaria parasites, blocking nucleotide synthesis and parasite replication.

Pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine work together to inhibit folate metabolism in malaria parasites, blocking nucleotide synthesis and parasite replication. Used for Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, Malaria prophylaxis in endemic regions.

At a glance

Generic namePyrimethamine/sulfadoxine
SponsorLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Drug classAntifolate antimalarial combination
TargetDihydrofolate reductase (pyrimethamine); dihydropteroate synthase (sulfadoxine)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaInfectious Disease
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

Pyrimethamine inhibits dihydrofolate reductase in Plasmodium parasites, while sulfadoxine inhibits dihydropteroate synthase; together they create a synergistic effect that disrupts the parasite's ability to synthesize purines and pyrimidines required for DNA replication. This combination is particularly effective against Plasmodium falciparum and has been used historically as a first-line antimalarial, though resistance has emerged in many regions.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

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Frequently asked questions about Pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine

What is Pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine?

Pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine is a Antifolate antimalarial combination drug developed by London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, indicated for Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, Malaria prophylaxis in endemic regions.

How does Pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine work?

Pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine work together to inhibit folate metabolism in malaria parasites, blocking nucleotide synthesis and parasite replication.

What is Pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine used for?

Pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine is indicated for Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, Malaria prophylaxis in endemic regions.

Who makes Pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine?

Pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine is developed by London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (see full London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine pipeline at /company/london-school-of-hygiene-and-tropical-medicine).

What drug class is Pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine in?

Pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine belongs to the Antifolate antimalarial combination class. See all Antifolate antimalarial combination drugs at /class/antifolate-antimalarial-combination.

What development phase is Pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine in?

Pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine is in Phase 3.

What are the side effects of Pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine?

Common side effects of Pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine include Rash, Gastrointestinal disturbances, Folate deficiency, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Hepatotoxicity.

What does Pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine target?

Pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine targets Dihydrofolate reductase (pyrimethamine); dihydropteroate synthase (sulfadoxine) and is a Antifolate antimalarial combination.

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