fMDA-University of California, San Francisco-Plasmodium vivax malaria

fMDA-University of California, San Francisco-Plasmodium vivax malaria refers to the focal mass drug administration (fMDA) regimen evaluated in the FLAME (FocaL Mass Drug Administration for Vivax Malaria Elimination) pragmatic cluster-randomized controlled trial. Developed and led by the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) in the Loreto Department of Peru, this intervention strategy targets the elimination of *Plasmodium vivax* malaria. The regimen consists of a combination of small molecule antimalarials: chloroquine (CQ) paired with either tafenoquine (TQ) or primaquine (PQ). Chloroquine acts as a schizonticide, targeting the erythrocytic (blood) stages of the parasite by interfering with heme detoxification. Tafenoquine and primaquine are 8-aminoquinolines that provide radical cure by targeting dormant liver-stage hypnozoites, thereby preventing the relapses characteristic of *P. vivax* infection. The fMDA strategy involves administering these drugs to high-risk individuals residing within 200 meters of a confirmed index case.

Other names

Focal Mass Drug AdministrationFLAME trial regimen