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artesunate (artesunate, Amivas)

✓ Approved

Amivas · Small Molecule · Small Molecule

What is artesunate?

artesunate is a small molecule developed by Amivas. It is approved for therapeutic indications via injectable (others) or intravenous (iv).

Drug Profile

Brand Namesartesunate, Amivas
CompanyAmivas
Drug ClassSmall Molecule
RouteInjectable (Others), Intravenous (IV)
StatusApproved
Sources: ClinicalTrials.gov, Amivas

Therapeutic Indications

artesunate is developed for 2 unique indications across 1 therapeutic area.

Therapeutic AreaConditionPhase
Infections and infestationsPlasmodium malariae infection✓ Approved
Infections and infestationsCytomegalovirus infectionPreclinical

Related Research Articles

PubMedAdvanced healthcare materials2026-10-21

Dual-Targeting Nanomicelles Co-Loading Sorafenib and Artesunate Combats Hepatocellular Carcinoma via the Synergistically Enhanced Ferroptosis Strategy.

Lu Wangjing W, Yang Juan J, Mi Jinxia J, Luo Fazhen F et al.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a formidable malignancy with limited response to conventional monotherapies, largely due to its complicated pathogenesis and useful cellular defense systems. In this study, we constructed a dual-targeting polymeric micelle (S&A@TPD/HG PMs), co-delivering sorafenib (SOR), and artesunate (ART) to achieve synergistic ferroptosis-based therapy against HCC. The micelle features a hyaluronic acid (HA) shell functionalized with glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) for active dual targeting to CD44 and GA receptors overexpressed on HCC cells; while its triphenylphosphonium (TPP)-decorated inner core facilitates mitochondrial anchoring and co-conveys the drugs, enabling stepwise subcellular targeting. Compared with free drugs or single-drug-loaded micelles, S&A@TPD/HG PMs effectively induced mitochondrial damage by depleting glutathione (GSH), and downregulating GSH peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression to disrupt the mitochondrial antioxidant defense system, elevating intracellular Fe2+ to increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) production, thereby compromising mitochondrial redox homeostasis and potentiating ferroptosis jointly. This ferroptosis-inducing activity yielded potent in vivo antitumor efficacy in Huh-7 tumor-bearing nude mice, with a tumor inhibition rate of 74.23% and minimal systemic toxicity. Collectively, the organelle-specific targeting combined with co-delivery of synergistic drug pairs represents a promising strategy for combating malignancies and provides a blueprint for the rational design of multifunctional nanosystems.

PMID 42902458
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PubMedMalaria journal2026-10-19

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Sudanese medical professionals regarding the 2023 Sudan malaria treatment protocol: a cross-sectional study.

Yousif Yousif Omer Elgaili YOE, Kheerallah Rayan Mohamed Issa RMI, Ahmed Maab Khalifa Mohamed MKM, Bakheit Khadiga Mansoor Ali KMA et al.

Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Sudan, primarily driven by Plasmodium falciparum. Timely and effective case management is critical, necessitating high adherence to the newly issued Sudan Malaria Case Management Protocol 2023. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and current practices of Sudanese medical professionals regarding this 2023 protocol. This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted in 2024-2025. A convenience sample of 371 currently practicing Sudanese medical professionals was recruited and surveyed. Data were analyzed to identify levels of awareness and adherence, as well as the major barriers to protocol implementation. High awareness was reported, with 67.9% of participants knowing about the 2023 protocol. Knowledge of first-line treatments was strong, with 93.5% correctly identifying Artemether-Lumefantrine for uncomplicated malaria and 83.0% correctly identifying Intravenous Artesunate for severe malaria. However, a significant gap in formal training was observed: 69.5% of participants reported no formal training on the new protocol. Furthermore, only 41.5% reported "always" adhering to the protocol in their practice. The major reported barriers included lack of formal training (55.8%) and lack of resources (53.4%). Although the 2023 protocol is well-regarded as an improvement, and knowledge of key recommendations is high, its potential is limited by significant implementation challenges. Translating awareness into effective clinical practice requires immediate, comprehensive interventions, including structured training and addressing resource shortages.

PMID 42894193
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PubMedBMC veterinary research2026-10-16

Comparative anthelmintic activity of artemisinin, dihydroartemisinin, and artesunate against sheep gastrointestinal nematodes: in vitro evaluation and exploratory β-tubulin molecular modeling.

Osmanlioglu Dag Suheda Rumeysa SR, Alagoz Mehmet Abdullah MA, Erez Mahmut Sinan MS, Kozan Esma E et al.

Gastrointestinal nematode infections are an important constraint on small-ruminant production, and increasing anthelmintic resistance has intensified the search for alternative therapeutic compounds. Artemisinin and its derivatives have demonstrated activity against several helminth species, although comparative information regarding their effects on gastrointestinal nematodes remains limited. This study compared the in vitro anthelmintic activity of artemisinin (ART), dihydroartemisinin (DHA), and artesunate (ARTE) and explored β-tubulin as a candidate molecular target using complementary computational analyses. All three compounds showed concentration-dependent activity against gastrointestinal nematode eggs and third-stage larvae. In the egg hatch assay, ARTE showed the lowest EC₅₀ value (63.45 µg/mL), followed by ART (82.02 µg/mL) and DHA (99.06 µg/mL). A similar activity pattern was observed for the predefined 24-h larval non-viability endpoint, with operational LC₅₀ values of 66.08 µg/mL for ARTE, 102.82 µg/mL for ART, and 185.41 µg/mL for DHA. Exploratory molecular docking against β-tubulin showed broadly comparable predicted binding at the colchicine-binding pocket, whereas ARTE exhibited the most favorable predicted interaction at the GTP-associated region. Molecular dynamics simulation supported the conformational stability of the predicted ARTE-β-tubulin complex over 150 ns, including persistent residue contacts and Mg²⁺ coordination. In silico ADMET profiling indicated distinct permeability and distribution characteristics among the three compounds without major structural toxicity alerts in the applied prediction tools. ARTE showed the highest in vitro anthelmintic activity among the three evaluated artemisinin derivatives, with a consistent activity ranking of ARTE > ART > DHA in both experimental assays. The computational findings provide hypothesis-generating support for a potential interaction of ARTE with the GTP-associated region of β-tubulin but do not establish β-tubulin as its molecular target. Further parasite-specific target studies, in vivo efficacy experiments, pharmacokinetic evaluation, and direct target-engagement studies are required to clarify the biological mechanism and veterinary relevance of these findings.

PMID 42881410
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PubMedAntiviral research2026-10-15

Inhibition of Porcine Cytomegalovirus/Porcine Roseolovirus (PCMV/PRV) replication with antiviral compounds.

Mei H H, Chelladurai A A, Atkinson S N SN, Avery R R et al.

The global organ shortage has driven significant interest in xenotransplantation, accelerated by advances in immunology and genetic engineering. However, infectious complications and immune responses remain incompletely understood. Porcine cytomegalovirus/porcine roseolovirus (PCMV/PRV) is endemic in pigs and has been transmitted to xenotransplant recipients, where it may contribute to graft dysfunction. We evaluated FDA-approved and investigational antivirals against PCMV/PRV replication in vitro using plaque assays and quantitative PCR (qPCR) of the PCMV/PRV polymerase. The most efficacious agents by qPCR were DNA polymerase inhibitors brincidofovir (EC50 0.01 μM), cidofovir (EC50 1.65 μM), cyclopropavir (EC50 2.13 μM), and oxazolidinone amide derivatives (EC50 1-3 μM); hPMPA was also active (EC50 8.37 μM). Ganciclovir showed reduced activity compared to Human CMV (HCMV, EC50 18.07 μM), and foscarnet EC50 was 93.64 μM. FDA-approved antivirals acyclovir, maribavir, and letermovir were inactive or showed reduced activity compared to their anti-HCMV activity. The investigational drug pritelivir was also inactive. Two investigational HCMV inhibitors, MLS8554 and MLS8091, inhibited PCMV/PRV. Antiviral anticellular agents artesunate, artemisinin dimer 838, emetine, and digitoxin inhibited PCMV/PRV at concentrations comparable to HCMV inhibition. Emetine (EC50 0.03 μM) and digitoxin (EC50 0.010 μM) were the most potent. Artesunate was additive when combined with active PCMV/PRV inhibitors. This extensive investigation reveals a PCMV/PRV inhibition pattern similar to that of HHV-6. Although several compounds showed in vitro activity, their clinical utility must be weighed against toxicity at effective concentrations. Additional studies are needed to identify effective antivirals for PCMV/PRV and to optimize drug combination strategies.

PMID 42880643
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PubMedMatrix biology : journal of the International Society for Matrix Biology2026-10-14

Clitocine for Translational Readthrough in Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa.

Zhang Rui R, Mabrouk Haifa El HE, Has Cristina C, Sayar Saliha Beyza SB

Junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) caused by laminin-332 deficiency (JEB-LAM332) is a severe inherited skin disorder characterized by impaired dermal-epidermal adhesion, chronic wounds, and increased cancer susceptibility. The management of JEB-LAM332 is primarily symptomatic, focusing on wound care and general supportive measures; however, many therapeutic needs remain unmet. While gene and stem cell therapy has been effective in JEB-LAM332, it is not yet broadly available owing to its complexity and cost. Translational readthrough-inducing drugs (TRIDs) represent an alternative strategy for treating JEB-LAM332, given that most patients carry nonsense mutations in at least one allele of their LAMA3, LAMB3, or LAMC2 genes, with LAMB3 c.1903C>T, p.R635* (p.Arg635Ter) being the most common variant. To determine promising TRID candidates for developing readthrough therapy for JEB-LAM332 patients with LAMB3 mutations, we evaluated different classes of TRIDs and compared their efficacy against gentamicin. Erythromycin, TRID-C5 (aminoglycoside-based cocktail), artesunate and atazanavir (non-aminoglycosides, ribosomal protein RpL35 ligand) and clitocine (nucleoside analog) were tested in patient-derived keratinocytes carrying the LAMB3 nonsense variants, homozygous c.1903C>T (p.R635*) or compound heterozygous c.124C>T;c.1903C>T (p.R42*;p.R635*). We used a previously established screening platform for systematic testing of TRIDs, including immunoblotting, cell functional assays, and transcriptomics. We identified clitocine as the most potent compound for promoting translational readthrough, restoring laminin β3 chain expression and improving keratinocyte adhesion in JEB models. Clitocine treatment elicited dose- and mutation-dependent responses, while toxicity was observed at higher concentrations, particularly in normal keratinocytes. Although normal keratinocytes are not the intended therapeutic target, these findings highlight the importance of defining a therapeutic window and optimizing mutation-specific dosing. Overall, clitocine represents a potential candidate for the topical therapy of JEB-LAM332.

PMID 42874790
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PubMedActa tropica2026-10-13

Dendrimer-Based Nano Artesunate/β-Glucan as a Promising Antimalarial Candidate: Insights from in Vivo Evaluations.

Noorzaei Mahla M, Khanabadi Faride F, Alimardan Zahra Z, Akbariqomi Mostafa M et al.

Malaria remains a major global health burden, with increasing concerns regarding resistance to conventional antimalarial therapies, including artemisinin derivatives. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a second-generation dendrimer-based nano artesunate/β-glucan formulation designed to combine antiplasmodial activity with potential immunomodulatory effects against malaria. A nano artesunate/β-glucan nanocomposite was synthesized using a G2 dendrimer platform and characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), drug loading analysis, solubility assessment, and release kinetics. Antimalarial efficacy was evaluated in a murine Plasmodium berghei model using parasitemia monitoring, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays, and survival analysis. Immunomodulatory effects were assessed through macrophage nitric oxide (NO) production and serum interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) levels. Toxicological evaluation included body weight monitoring, erythrocyte morphology and hemolysis assays, liver enzyme analysis, and histopathological examination of hepatic tissues. The synthesized nanocomposite showed a mean particle size of 157.5 nm, acceptable size distribution (PDI = 0.284), and spherical morphology. Loading into the dendrimer-based nanocomposite improved the aqueous solubility of artesunate and β-glucan by 83% and 27%, respectively, and enabled sustained drug release over 48 hours. In vivo, the nano artesunate/β-glucan formulation at 100 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg, respectively, achieved complete parasite clearance within 4 days, with no recrudescence during the 21 days of follow-up. This effect was accompanied by increased NO and IFN-gamma levels, suggesting possible immune involvement. Compared with free artesunate and chloroquine, the nanocomposite showed lower hepatotoxicity, minimal hemolysis, preserved erythrocyte morphology, and only minor liver histopathological changes. The dendrimer-based nano artesunate/β-glucan formulation showed potent antiplasmodial activity, improved solubility, sustained release, and a favorable acute safety profile in a murine malaria model. It may represent a promising antimalarial nano formulation, although further mechanistic and long-term safety studies are needed.

PMID 42869154
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