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Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine plus artesunate
This combination drug kills malaria parasites by inhibiting their folate metabolism (sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine) and disrupting their mitochondrial function (artesunate).
This combination drug kills malaria parasites by inhibiting their folate metabolism (sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine) and disrupting their mitochondrial function (artesunate). Used for Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, Malaria treatment in endemic regions.
At a glance
| Generic name | Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine plus artesunate |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine |
| Drug class | Antimalarial combination |
| Target | Dihydrofolate reductase, dihydropteroate synthase (sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine); mitochondrial electron transport (artesunate) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is a fixed-dose antifolate combination that blocks dihydrofolate reductase and dihydropteroate synthase in Plasmodium parasites, preventing nucleotide synthesis. Artesunate is an artemisinin derivative that generates reactive oxygen species and damages parasite mitochondria. Together, they provide rapid parasite clearance and reduce transmission.
Approved indications
- Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria
- Malaria treatment in endemic regions
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Rash
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (rare)
Key clinical trials
- Parasite Clearance and Protection from Infection (PCPI) in Cameroon (PHASE3)
- Parasite Clearance and Protection From Infection (PCPI) in Zambia (PHASE3)
- Comparison of ISTp- PYRAMAX-US-RDT to IPTp-SP to Prevent Malaria in Pregnant Women in DRC (ULTRAPYRAPREG) (PHASE3)
- Dose Escalation PfSPZ-CVac (PHASE1)
- SPK Study in Afghanistan (NA)
- Combination Antimalarials in Uncomplicated Malaria (NA)
- A Trial of Intermittent Treatment in the Prevention of Malaria in Senegalese Children (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- ACT With Chloroquine, Amodiaquine & Sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine in Pakistan (PHASE3)
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 |
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