pyronaridine

Pyronaridine is a synthetic antimalarial drug belonging to the benzonaphthyridine class. It has been used for over 50 years, primarily in China, and is indicated for the treatment of acute malaria caused by *Plasmodium falciparum* or *Plasmodium vivax*, especially in areas with low artemisinin resistance[1][2][4]. Pyronaridine acts as a blood schizonticide by inhibiting hemozoin formation within the parasite's digestive vacuole, leading to toxic hematin accumulation and parasite death[2][6]. Additionally, it intercalates into DNA and inhibits DNA topoisomerase 2 enzyme; this mechanism may contribute to its antitumor effects but is not fully established as relevant for its antimalarial activity[2][6]. Pyronaridine is most commonly used in combination with artesunate (marketed as Pyramax), which has received regulatory approval for uncomplicated malaria worldwide[3][4][6]. The drug also shows potential antiviral and anticancer activities and has been studied against other parasitic diseases such as Babesia and Trypanosoma infections, Ebola virus disease, and COVID-19 when combined with artesunate[4][6].

Brand names

Pyramax

Other names

pyronaridine tetraphosphate