dihydroartemisinin

Dihydroartemisinin is a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin and the active metabolite of all artemisinin-based antimalarial drugs, including artesunate and artemether. It is used primarily for the treatment of malaria, especially infections caused by Plasmodium falciparum, including strains resistant to chloroquine and other antimalarials. Dihydroartemisinin acts rapidly against blood-stage parasites by generating reactive oxygen species through cleavage of its endoperoxide bridge in the presence of iron within parasite-infected erythrocytes. This leads to rapid parasite death. Compared to artemisinin itself, dihydroartemisinin has higher oral bioavailability and greater potency. It is also being investigated for other indications such as systemic lupus erythematosus due to its immunomodulatory effects[1][3][4][6][7].

Brand names

Eurartesim

Other names

双氢青蒿素Dihydroqinghaosu