primaquine + methylene blue

Primaquine + methylene blue refers to a clinical investigation by the University of Oxford evaluating these two agents as transmission-blocking tools against *Plasmodium falciparum* malaria. Both drugs are small molecule gametocytocidals that target the sexual stages (gametocytes) of the parasite, thereby preventing the infection of mosquitoes. Methylene blue acts as an inhibitor of disulfide reductases, specifically glutathione reductase, and has shown potency across all gametocyte stages. Primaquine, a traditional antimalarial, works through oxidative mechanisms but is limited by its potential to cause hemolysis in G6PD-deficient individuals. This research focuses on the pharmacokinetics and transmission-blocking efficacy of these drugs in both G6PD-normal and G6PD-deficient populations to identify safer alternatives or optimized regimens for malaria elimination and to counter the spread of artemisinin-resistant parasites.