Artesunate is a medication derived from the sweet wormwood plant (Artemisia annua) and is used in the treatment of severe malaria. It is a fast-acting artemisinin, a class of drugs that comes from the Artemisia species. Artesunate is often compared to other preventative measures for malaria, such as other medications and preventative measures like mosquito nets.
In terms of preventative measures, artesunate is not typically used as a prophylactic medication for malaria prevention. Instead, other medications like chloroquine, mefloquine, and doxycycline are commonly used for this purpose [1]. These medications work by either killing the malaria parasite in the bloodstream or preventing the parasite from multiplying within red blood cells.
When it comes to the treatment of severe malaria, artesunate has been shown to be more effective than quinine, a medication that has been used for many years to treat severe malaria [2]. A large-scale study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that artesunate reduced the risk of death by 35% compared to quinine in patients with severe falciparum malaria [3].
Artesunate is also more cost-effective than quinine, as it requires fewer hospital resources and has a shorter treatment duration [4]. Additionally, artesunate has fewer side effects than quinine, which can include hearing and vision problems, as well as nausea and vomiting [5].
In terms of drug patents, Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), which include artesunate, are no longer under patent protection, making them more widely available and affordable [6]. However, it is important to note that while artesunate is a valuable tool in the fight against malaria, it is not a standalone solution. Preventative measures like mosquito nets and prophylactic medications are still crucial in reducing the overall burden of malaria.
In summary, artesunate is a highly effective medication for the treatment of severe malaria, with fewer side effects and lower costs than quinine. While it is not typically used as a preventative measure, it is an important tool in the fight against malaria.
Sources:
1. "Malaria - Diagnosis and treatment - NHS." NHS Choices, NHS, 15 Jan. 2019, www.nhs.uk/conditions/malaria/diagnosis-and-treatment/.
2. Dondorp, Arjen MJ, et al. "Artesunate versus Quinine for Treatment of Severe Falciparum Malaria in African Children (AQUAMAT): an Open-Label, Randomised Trial." The Lancet, vol. 376, no. 9758, 2010, pp. 1647-1666., doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(10)61919-1.
3. Dondorp, Arjen MJ, et al. "Artesunate versus Quinine for Treatment of Severe Falciparum Malaria in African Children (AQUAMAT): an Open-Label, Randomised Trial." The Lancet, vol. 376, no. 9758, 2010, pp. 1647-1666., doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(10)61919-1.
4. World Health Organization. "Guidelines for the Treatment of Malaria." World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 2015, www.who.int/malaria/publications/atoz/9789241549127/en/.
5. "Quinine: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning." RxList, RxList, 1 Feb. 2021, www.rxlist.com/quinine/drugs-condition.htm.
6. "Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapies (ACTs) - Drug Patent Watch." Drug Patent Watch, Drug Patent Watch, 2021, www.drugpatentwatch.com/treatments/artemisinin-based-combination-therapies-acts/.