Piperaquine + pyronaridine

Shin Poong
Causal prophylaxis
Intermittent preventative treatment (TPP-1)
Chemoprophylaxis (TPP-2)

Piperaquine + pyronaridine

Translational
-
Human volunteers
Product vision
  • Intermittent preventive treatment and chemoprophylaxis 
MOA
  • Piperaquine: unknown MoA, but likely mirrors that of chloroquine, which binds to toxic haem within the malaria parasite, preventing its detoxification via a polymerisation step 
  • Pyronaridine: pleotropic effect including inhibition of hematin formation, and haem degradation. Interferes with the digestive system of the parasite by modifying food vacuoles

Key features
  • Anticipated comparatively long duration of protection & low risk of emergence of resistance 
Challenges
  • Demonstration of increased bioavailability and minimal impact of food on PK exposure of paediatric piperaquine formulation
  • Demonstration of safety and  preventive efficacy of monthly  administration of the combination, for 4 to 5 consecutive months during the malaria season, in healthy and/or asymptomatic children and pregnant women

Status
  • Combination safety phase I study in healthy volunteers in reporting
Next milestone
  • Paediatric piperaquine formulation relative bioavailability and food effect in healthy volunteers study start
Project Director
  • Dr Isabelle Borghini Fuhrer