Artesunate is an antimalarial drug that is primarily used for the treatment of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. While it is not typically used for prevention, there have been some studies exploring its potential for prophylactic use.

According to DrugPatentWatch [1], artesunate is not currently indicated for prophylactic use. The drug is only approved for the treatment of acute malaria infections, and it is typically administered intravenously or intramuscularly.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [2] also notes that artesunate is not recommended for malaria prophylaxis. The CDC recommends that travelers to areas with a risk of malaria take prophylactic medications such as atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine.

However, a study published in the Journal of Travel Medicine [3] explored the potential of artesunate as a prophylactic agent. The study found that a single dose of artesunate was effective in preventing malaria in healthy volunteers who were exposed to the disease. The researchers concluded that artesunate could be a promising option for malaria prophylaxis, particularly in areas where drug resistance is a concern.

Overall, while artesunate is not currently indicated for malaria prophylaxis, there is some evidence to suggest that it could be effective in preventing the disease. However, further research is needed to fully understand its potential as a prophylactic agent.

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/ARTESUNATE
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/diagnosis_treatment/artesunate.html
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3294395/