See the DrugPatentWatch profile for artesunate

Artesunate is a medication derived from the sweet wormwood plant (Artemisia annua) and is primarily used to treat severe malaria [1]. It is a water-soluble artemisinin that is rapidly eliminated from the body, making it an ideal candidate for treating severe malaria [2]. Here are some benefits of using artesunate:

1. Effective against severe malaria: Artesunate is highly effective in treating severe malaria, reducing the risk of death by up to 35% compared to quinine [1]. It works by rapidly reducing the number of parasites in the bloodstream, thereby preventing complications and reducing the risk of death [2].
2. Faster action: Artesunate has a faster onset of action compared to quinine, which is the traditional drug used to treat severe malaria [1]. This means that artesunate can quickly reduce the number of parasites in the bloodstream, thereby preventing complications and reducing the risk of death.
3. Safer than quinine: Artesunate has a better safety profile than quinine, with fewer side effects such as tinnitus, hearing loss, and visual disturbances [1]. It is also less likely to cause hypoglycemia, a potentially life-threatening complication of quinine [2].
4. Reduced risk of drug resistance: Artesunate is less likely to cause drug resistance than other antimalarial drugs such as chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine [1]. This is because artesunate has a unique mechanism of action that is different from other antimalarial drugs [2].
5. Patent protection: Artesunate is still under patent protection, which means that there is a financial incentive for pharmaceutical companies to continue researching and developing new formulations of the drug [3]. This is important because it ensures that there is a steady supply of artesunate available for patients who need it.

In summary, artesunate is an effective and safe medication for treating severe malaria. It has a faster onset of action and a better safety profile than quinine, and it is less likely to cause drug resistance. Additionally, artesunate is still under patent protection, which ensures a steady supply of the drug for patients who need it.

Sources:

1. World Health Organization. (2015). Guidelines for the treatment of malaria. Geneva: World Health Organization. <https://www.who.int/malaria/publications/atoz/9789240038517/en/>
2. White, N. J. (2018). Artemisinins for malaria. New England Journal of Medicine, 378(1), 55-66. <https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1714037>
3. DrugPatentWatch. (2023). Artesunate. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/artesunate>