Sanofi-aventis has proved once again that it is at the forefront of research and development of innovative medicines for neglected diseases. Now that ASAQ meets WHO quality standards, it can be procured by United Nations agencies and others for distribution in malaria-endemic countries.

“This is yet another example of the power of partnerships and the trend to recognising the universal imperative of quality in health care products,” said Chris Hentschel, President and CEO of MMV. “The collaboration between sanofi-aventis and DNDi to jointly develop a new fixed-dose combination of artesunate and amodiaquine has borne fruit. As further post-launch scientific data on its safety profile emerges, ASAQ will likely prove a welcome addition to the treatment of malaria. Such data are particularly desirable as we focus on the initial scale-up phase of the Global Malaria Action Plan. MMV hopes to actively facilitate this next phase of the ASAQ life cycle.”