|
WHO recommendation of a new weapon against malaria for Africa
The combination of artesunate and mefloquine used in Mepha’s drugs Artequin™ and Artequin™ Paediatric is now also recommended by WHO for Africa. Mepha is proud of this change as it is the result of the considerable investment in research and development and the favourable outcome of several clinical trials conducted in Africa.
In the new Malaria Treatment Guidelines (second edition) published by WHO in March 2010, WHO recommends the utilization of the ACT* artesunate plus mefloquine in Africa. This change compared to the earlier recommendation from 2006 reflects the new clinical evidence of a combination that has demonstrated a similar efficacy and safety compared to existing ACTs.
The new recommendation is an important step for physicians in Africa who now have an additional weapon in their fight against this widespread and often fatal disease.
It is also an important step forward for Mepha as it reflects the considerable investments in research and development in this field. With Artequin and Artequin Paediatric (the first fixed-dose combination for small children) Mepha has conducted clinical studies in several African countries, with the aim to proof the safety and efficacy of this combination mainly also in African children.
Mepha and malaria
Mepha Ltd., the leading generic manufacturer in Switzerland, is also active internationally in more than 60 countries. This specifically also in Africa, where malaria still is the major burden for most countries. Already more than 20 years ago, Mepha decided to invest into research and development for new drugs to fight against this deadly disease. The goal was to find new and highly effective drugs for prophylaxis and treatment of malaria. These products needed to fit with our high Swiss quality standards but they should as well be affordable. Over the years, Mepha built up a leading role in this area with own innovative products.
As early as 1986 Mepha launched its first drug against malaria, Mephaquin™. The substance mefloquine still today is one of the most effective chemoprophylactic agents mostly used by travellers going to malaria endemic countries.
In 1992, Mepha startet to work with artesunate, an artemisinin derivative, which is extracted from the plant Artemisia annua. Today, our artesunate is registered and launched under the tradename Plasmotrim™ in most malaria endemic countries in Africa as well as in some countries in Asia and Latin America. Mepha was first to offer a rectal formulation of artesunate. The major advantage of the Plasmotrim™ Rectocaps™ is the thermostability, i.e. this specific and patented formulation does not melt in the hand, even with temperatures as high as 40°C. This advantage is specifically important in tropical countries.
Based on new recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), Mepha started the development of a combination therapy. In 2002. this ACT (Artemisinin- Based Combination Therapy) was launched for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. The drug is registered and launched under the tradename Artequin™. It combines the two substances artesunate and mefloquine in separate tablets. These tablets are packed in a coloured blister. Treatment with Artequin™ allows a simple and highly effective therapy. Different dosage forms for adults and children are available in many African and Asian countries. One of the most important steps for Mepha was the launch of a specific fixed-dose combination for small children: With an innovative technology, a mixture of pellets (similar to a powder) with artesunate and mefloquine, Artequin™ Paediatric has been developed. This exactly dosed mixture consists of the pellets with the two substances as well as a sweetener and a mango flavour and is filled into stickpacks. The content of such a stickpack corresponds to a once-daily treatment dose and can be directly applied into the mouth of the small child. A total of three stickpacks used over three days leads to a fast and complete cure. And a big advantage: There is no water needed fort he application of these pellets which is a significant advantage especially in Africa.
*ACT = Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy
|
|
|
|