See the DrugPatentWatch profile for artesunate

Artesunate is a medication used to treat severe malaria, including chloroquine-resistant strains [1]. However, the safety of artesunate during pregnancy is a complex issue that requires careful consideration.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), artesunate is the recommended treatment for severe malaria in pregnant women in the second and third trimesters [2]. This recommendation is based on studies suggesting that artesunate has similar or better outcomes for both the mother and fetus compared to quinine, the previous standard of care [3].

However, the safety of artesunate during the first trimester is less clear. The WHO states that artesunate should only be used during the first trimester if the benefits outweigh the potential risks, and only if no other appropriate alternatives are available [2]. This is due to limited data on the safety of artesunate during the first trimester [3].

It is important to note that malaria itself poses significant risks to both the mother and fetus. Untreated malaria in pregnant women can lead to maternal anemia, stillbirth, preterm delivery, and low birth weight [3]. Therefore, the risks of malaria must be weighed against the potential risks of artesunate or any other treatment.

In terms of patents, DrugPatentWatch.com lists several patents related to artesunate, including formulations for the treatment of malaria [4]. However, these patents do not directly address the safety of artesunate during pregnancy.

In conclusion, while artesunate is recommended for the treatment of severe malaria in pregnant women in the second and third trimesters, its safety during the first trimester is less clear. The decision to use artesunate during pregnancy should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, taking into account the risks of both malaria and the medication.

Sources:
[1] "Artesunate" (2022). National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved from <https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Artesunate>.
[2] "Malaria in pregnancy" (2021). World Health Organization. Retrieved from <https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria>.
[3] "Artesunate for treating severe malaria" (2015). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Retrieved from <https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD009918.pub2/full>.
[4] "Artesunate" (2022). DrugPatentWatch.com. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/artesunate>.