Artesunate for injection

Artesun®
Fosun Pharma
Severe malaria treatment (TPP-1)

Artesunate for injection

Access
-
Approved
Therapeutic indication

  • Treatment of severe malaria caused by the parasite P. falciparum, to be followed by a full course of ACT
Dosing

  • At least 3 injections within 1 day during critical phase
Efficacy

  • 92% survival vs 88% survival with quinine in African children

  • Coma duration, convulsions, and hypoglycaemia significantly lower with artesunate compared to quinine
Key features

  • WHO-prequalified injectable artesunate

  • Cost per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted: US$ 3.8

  • 3-year shelf life
Challenges

  • Potential for delayed haemolytic anaemia

  • Continued use of quinine or artemether for injection

  • Must be followed up with ACT to avoid artemisinin monotherapy use
Status

  • WHO prequalification in 2010

  • Approved in 35 countries; 238 million Artesun® vials shipped since prequalification (up to and including 2021)
Next milestone

  • Simplified injectable artesunate two-vial formulation currently under review for WHO prequalification
Project Director

  • Hans Rietveld