Pyronaridine-Artesunate: Efficacious Against Falciparum Malaria

In a clinical trial, this combination was as efficacious as artemether-lumefantrine for treating uncomplicated falciparum malaria.

Artemisinin-based combination therapy is recommended for treating falciparum malaria, but the commonly used artemether-lumefantrine (AL) requires twice-daily dosing and a fatty meal to maximize absorption. Now, with partial industry support, investigators have conducted a phase III, double-blind, noninferiority trial to compare AL with another oral fixed-dose combination, pyronaridine-artesunate (PA).

A total of 1272 patients with uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Africa and Southeast Asia (44% aged 5–12 years; none aged <5 years) were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive a 3-day course of PA or AL. Dose was based on body weight. Patients were hospitalized for days 0–3 and followed through day 42. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis o…

Reviewing Author

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine