Innovative forms of therapy for combating malaria

Mepha is one of the innovative suppliers of antimalarial drugs for the prophylaxis and treatment of malaria. In 1987 Mephaquin™ (mefloquine) was registered and launched in French West Africa and several other endemic countries. Further, Mephaquin™ is registered and launched in several non-endemic countries (for prophylaxis).

In 1998 Mepha launched Plasmotrim™ (artesunate) in several endemic African countries. Besides the classic Lactab™ formulation Mepha came up with a real galenical innovation: the rectal presentation of artesunate in the form of Rectocaps™ for which Mepha holds several international patents. The Rectocaps™ are soft gelatine capsules with active substance in oily suspension. They are thermostable and therefore ideally suited for use in endemic malaria countries where temperatures easily exceed 30° Celsius throughout the year. As the Plasmotrim™ Rectocaps™ are administered rectally the product is often taken for the treatment of complicated malaria where patients are frequently unconscious or incapable of swallowing tablets. Another advantage of rectal administration is that the product can also be given to little children who are still too young to swallow a tablet. The Rectocaps™ can be used easily under field conditions by mothers, for example. There is no need for trained personnel to perform an invasive administration like i/m or i/v, which always carries a potential risk of infection.

In 2001 Mepha successfully conducted clinical phase III trials for a combination of two wellknown antimalarials, artesunate and mefloquine (Artequin™). These studies concluded that Artequin™ is a safe and effective drug for the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria.

As of July 2002 Mepha launched Artequin™ in Central, Western and East Africa and further registrations and launches in other endemic countries are ongoing. As of 2006 Mepha started to launch Artequin™ Paediatric in various African markets.