artesunate

Artesunate is a semisynthetic derivative of artemisinin, an antimalarial compound originally isolated from the plant Artemisia annua. It is primarily indicated for the initial treatment of severe malaria in adults and children and is recommended by the World Health Organization as first-line therapy for severe malaria. Artesunate acts by being rapidly converted in vivo to its active metabolite dihydroartemisinin (DHA). The endoperoxide bridge of DHA reacts with heme within Plasmodium-infected red blood cells, generating free radicals that inhibit protein and nucleic acid synthesis in the parasite, leading to its death. Artesunate can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, orally, or rectally; however, intravenous administration is preferred for severe cases. Beyond malaria, artesunate has shown biological activity against certain cancers and viruses and exhibits anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties[1][2][5][6].

Brand names

ArtesunateMany

Other names

artesunic acid