Article
Immunology
Benjamin Abuaku, Paul Boateng, Nana Yaw Peprah, Alexander Asamoah, Nancy Odurowah Duah-Quashie, Sena Adzoa Matrevi, Eunice Obeng Amoako, Neils Quashie, Felicia Owusu-Antwi, Keziah Laurencia Malm, Kwadwo Ansah Koram
Summary: In 2020, DHAP was adopted as a second-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in Ghana. A study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of DHAP using a 42-day follow-up schedule and PCR genotyping in three malaria sentinel sites. The results showed high efficacy of DHAP, with a national average of 97.0% (95% CI: 93.4 - 98.8). This data will serve as a baseline for future DHAP efficacy studies in Ghana.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Pere Millat-Martinez, Sam Salman, Brioni R. Moore, Barbara Baro, Madhu Page-Sharp, Kevin T. Batty, Leanne J. Robinson, William Pomat, Harin Karunajeewa, Moses Laman, Laurens Manning, Oriol Mitja, Quique Bassat
Summary: Mass drug administration (MDA) with monthly dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PQP) is effective in malaria control and elimination. A study found that consecutive use of piperaquine phosphate has minimal impact on QT interval prolongation, indicating the safety of the drug at standard doses.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Guoming Li, Yueming Yuan, Shaoqin Zheng, Chenguang Lu, Mingqiang Li, Ruixiang Tan, Hongying Zhang, Rahamatou Silai, Ruimei Liu, Kamal Said Abdallah, Affane Bacar, Qin Xu, Jianping Song, Wanting Wu, Changsheng Deng
Summary: The study found that artemisinin-piperaquine and artemether-lumefantrine maintained high efficacy and tolerance in treating uncomplicated falciparum malaria in the Comoros. However, asymptomatic malaria infections may pose new challenges to malaria control.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Nelli Westercamp, Mary Owidhi, Kephas Otieno, Winnie Chebore, Ann M. Buff, Meghna Desai, Simon Kariuki, Aaron M. Samuels
Summary: The study compared the efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine (AL) and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. The results showed that both AL and DP were efficacious and well tolerated, but the efficacy of AL appeared to be waning.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Makoto Saito, Widi Yotyingaphiram, Zillah Cargill, Mary Ellen Gilder, Aung Myat Min, Aung Pyae Phyo, Thi Dar San, Hilda Poe, Cindy Chu, Nicholas J. White, Francois Nosten, Rose McGready
Summary: Quinoline antimalarials can cause drug-induced QT prolongation, with different effects observed for different antimalarial drugs in pregnant women with malaria. However, none of the antimalarial drug treatments exceeded conventional thresholds for an increased risk of torsade de pointes in pregnant women.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Thanaporn Wattanakul, Mark Baker, Joerg Mohrle, Brett McWhinney, Richard M. Hoglund, James S. McCarthy, Joel Tarning
Summary: Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine is commonly used as a first-line treatment for Plasmodium falciparum malaria, and this study aimed to develop a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model to optimize its use in new antimalarial combination therapies. By analyzing data from healthy volunteers, the study characterized the pharmacokinetic properties of piperaquine and developed a semimechanistic parasite dynamics model related to piperaquine exposure. Treatment simulations suggested that an ideal additional drug in new antimalarial triple-combination therapies should have specific parasite reduction ratios and durations to combat multidrug-resistant infections effectively.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Chris Ebong, Asadu Sserwanga, Jane Frances Namuganga, James Kapisi, Arthur Mpimbaza, Samuel Gonahasa, Victor Asua, Sam Gudoi, Ruth Kigozi, James Tibenderana, John Bosco Bwanika, Agaba Bosco, Denis Rubahika, Daniel Kyabayinze, Jimmy Opigo, Damian Rutazana, Gloria Sebikaari, Kassahun Belay, Mame Niang, Eric S. Halsey, Leah F. Moriarty, Naomi W. Lucchi, Samaly S. Svigel Souza, Sam L. Nsobya, Moses R. Kamya, Adoke Yeka
Summary: In Uganda, DP remains highly effective and safe for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria, while monitoring of AL efficacy shows recurrent infections.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Julia Solnier, Yiming Zhang, Yun Chai Kuo, Min Du, Kyle Roh, Roland Gahler, Simon Wood, Chuck Chang
Summary: This study investigated the in vitro solubility and Caco-2 cell permeability of a new food-grade berberine delivery system, as well as its pharmacokinetic profiling in healthy volunteers. The results showed that the new delivery system exhibited higher bioavailability and absorption compared to the standard formulation, potentially improving the therapeutic efficacy of berberine.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fabiana Volpe-Zanutto, Leticia Tiburcio Ferreira, Andi Dian Permana, Melissa Kirkby, Alejandro J. Paredes, Lalitkumar K. Vora, Amanda P. Bonfanti, Ives Charlie-Silva, Catarina Raposo, Mariana C. Figueiredo, Ilza M. O. Sousa, Andi Brisibe, Fabio Trindade Maranhao Costa, Ryan F. Donnelly, Mary Ann Foglio
Summary: Malaria affects over 200 million people annually and artemether and lumefantrine are the primary treatment options. Dissolving microneedles were developed to deliver the drugs intradermally, with studies in animals demonstrating significant efficacy.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ki-Young Huh, Se-jung Hwang, Sang-Yeob Park, Hye-Jung Lim, Mir-yung Jin, Jae-seong Oh, Kyung-Sang Yu, Jae-Yong Chung
Summary: The study evaluated the pharmacokinetic equivalence between SYO-1644 and Nexavar through a two-period trial, finding that a dose range between 120 and 125 mg of SYO-1644 achieved the highest proportion of bioequivalence.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Likun Yang, Xiaoyue Zhang, Di Zhao, Peng Wang, Fangjie Zhao
Summary: We collected 14 rice samples from Cd contaminated areas and determined the Cd relative bioavailability (RBA) in rice using in vivo mouse bioassay. Cd-RBA in rice correlated positively with calcium and amylose content but negatively with the concentrations of sulfur, phosphorus, phytic acid, and crude protein. Based on the total and bioavailable Cd concentrations in rice, weekly dietary Cd intake for adults was estimated. This study demonstrates the possibility of predicting Cd-RBA based on rice compositions and provides valuable suggestions for health risk assessment.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mulebeke Ronald, Wanzira Humphrey, Yeka Adoke, Van Geertruyden Jean-Pierre
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of combining mass drug administration and indoor residual spraying compared to indoor residual spraying alone in a high transmission area in Eastern Uganda.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Thomas A. Anyorigiya, Sandra Castel, Katya Mauff, Frank Atuguba, Bernhards Ogutu, Abraham Oduro, David Dosoo, Kwaku-Poku Asante, Seth Owusu-Agyei, Alexander Dodoo, Abraham Hodgson, Fred Binka, Lesley J. Workman, Elizabeth N. Allen, Paolo Denti, Lubbe Wiesner, Karen Barnes
Summary: The study demonstrated high efficacy of artesunate-amodiaquine across all age groups at current recommended dosage regimens. Importantly, no reduction in exposure of amodiaquine and desethylamodiaquine was observed in underweight-for-age young children or those with high parasitaemia, indicating the need for further pharmacokinetic studies to optimize dosing in vulnerable populations.
Article
Microbiology
Reihaneh Abolhassani-Chimeh, Onno W. Akkerman, Antonia M. Saktiawati, Nieko C. Punt, Mathieu S. Bolhuis, Yanri W. Subronto, Sumardi, Tjip S. van der Werf, Jos G. W. Kosterink, Jan-Willem C. Alffenaar, Marieke G. G. Sturkenboom
Summary: In this study, a limited sampling strategy based on a population pharmacokinetic model was developed and validated to predict the exposure of pyrazinamide. The developed model showed good performance in external validation and could be used for therapeutic drug monitoring in tuberculosis patients.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
G. D. Marijn Veerman, Koen G. A. M. Hussaarts, Robert Peric, Esther Oomen-de Hoop, Kersten D. Landa, Cor H. van der Leest, Suzanna D. Broerse, Hugo B. Rutten, Huub N. A. Belderbos, Christi M. J. Steendam, Marthe S. Paats, Stijn L. W. Koolen, Anne-Marie C. Dingemans, Teun van Gelder, Roelof W. F. van Leeuwen, Joachim G. J. V. Aerts, Ron H. J. Mathijssen
Summary: This study showed that milk with 3.9% fat has no effect on erlotinib exposure in NSCLC patients, regardless of PPI use, and the combination with milk is safe and well tolerated. Concurrent treatment with esomeprazole significantly reduces both the AUC and Cmax of erlotinib, and should be avoided if possible.
CLINICAL PHARMACOKINETICS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xin Hui S. Chan, Palang Chotsiri, Rebecca A. Capel, James Pike, Borimas Hanboonkunupakarn, Sue J. Lee, Maryam Hanafiah, Yan Naung Win, Maegan A. Cremer, Jean-Rene Kiechel, Bernhards Ogutu, Walter R. J. Taylor, Rebecca-Ann B. Burton, Joel Tarning, Nicholas J. White
Summary: Amodiaquine and desethylamodiaquine have concentration-dependent effects on heart rate, blood pressure, and ventricular repolarization.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Makoto Saito, Rose McGready, Halidou Tinto, Toussaint Rouamba, Dominic Mosha, Stephen Rulisa, Simon Kariuki, Meghna Desai, Christine Manyando, Eric M. Njunju, Esperanca Sevene, Anifa Vala, Orvalho Augusto, Christine Clerk, Edwin Were, Sigilbert Mrema, William Kisinza, Josaphat Byamugisha, Mike Kagawa, Jan Singlovic, Mackensie Yore, Anna Maria van Eijk, Ushma Mehta, Andy Stergachis, Jenny Hill, Kasia Stepniewska, Melba Gomes, PhilippeJ Guerin, Francois Nosten, Feiko O. ter Kuile, Stephanie Dellicour
Summary: This study compared adverse pregnancy outcomes in the first trimester of pregnancy after artemisinin-based treatment (ABT) versus non-ABTs. The results showed no evidence of embryotoxicity or teratogenicity associated with ABT during the first trimester. Artemether-lumefantrine was found to be the preferred treatment for uncomplicated P falciparum malaria in the first trimester, with fewer adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to quinine.
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Lindsey Baden, Flaminia Catteruccia, Abdoulaye Diabate, Cristina Donini, Francois Nosten, Scott O'Neill, Faith Osier, Aung Pyae Phyo, Nicholas White
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Thomas J. Peto, James A. Watson, Nicholas J. White, Arjen M. Dondorp
Summary: The recent World Health Organization moratorium on rectal artesunate (RAS) for pre-referral treatment of severe childhood malaria is leading to unnecessary deaths. The decision was based on flawed findings from an observational study that provided RAS to undertrained and unsupervised community health workers. However, there is strong evidence that RAS is effective in saving lives and the delay in its deployment is causing preventable deaths.
TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Eva Legendre, Laurent Lehot, Sokhna Dieng, Stanislas Rebaudet, Aung Myint Thu, Jade D. Rae, Gilles Delmas, Florian Girond, Vincent Herbreteau, Francois Nosten, Jordi Landier, Jean Gaudart
Summary: This research developed a dynamic clustering approach to improve the stratification of malaria transmission areas, providing more information for decision-making.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicoletta Basilico, Silvia Parapini, Sarah D'Alessandro, Paola Misiano, Sergio Romeo, Giulio Dondio, Vanessa Yardley, Livia Vivas, Shereen Nasser, Laurent Renia, Bruce M. Russell, Rossarin Suwanarusk, Francois Nosten, Anna Sparatore, Donatella Taramelli
Summary: The novel pyrrolizidinylmethyl derivative MG3 showed excellent antimalarial activity against drug-resistant parasites, both in vitro and in vivo. The compound exhibited comparable or better efficacy than chloroquine and other quinolines in rodent models of malaria, and its pharmacological profile met the requirements for further development.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ahmar Hashmi, Mu Chae Darakamon, Ko Ko Aung, Mu Mu, Prapatsorn Misa, Podjanee Jittamala, Cindy Chu, Aung Pyae Phyo, Claudia Turner, Francois Nosten, Rose McGready, Verena I. I. Carrara
Summary: This study examined the care and outcomes of preterm neonates in a special care baby unit (SCBU) along the Myanmar-Thailand border. The study found significant reductions in neonatal mortality rates and identified implementation factors that impact the delivery of evidence-based care, such as financial issues and social support systems.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ali Haghiri, David J. Price, Phoebe Fitzpatrick, Saber Dini, Megha Rajasekhar, Caterina Fanello, Joel Tarning, James Watson, Nicholas J. White, Julie A. Simpson
Summary: The majority of deaths from malaria occur in young African children, so it is important to determine the appropriate dosage of medication for them. The US FDA has challenged the World Health Organization's recommendation of a lower dose for younger children, but a study showed that younger children given the lower dose did not reach the same drug exposures as older children. Therefore, it is suggested to withdraw the FDA's recent lower dose recommendation.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Navaporn Posayapisit, Jutharat Pengon, Philip J. Shaw, Chairat Uthaipibull, Darin Kongkasuriyachai, Aung Pyae Phyo, Francois Nosten, Yongyuth Yuthavong, Sumalee Kamchonwongpaisan
Summary: The effectiveness of antimalarial drug P218 against artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum is still uncertain, despite its efficacy against other drug-resistant parasites.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Mavuto Mukaka, Marie A. Onyamboko, Peter Olupot-Olupot, Pimnara Peerawaranun, Kanokon Suwannasin, Watcharee Pagornrat, Jindarat Kouhathong, Wanassanan Madmanee, Winifred Were, Cate Namayanja, Peter Onyas, Harriet Titin, Joy Baseke, Rita Muhindo, Daddy K. Kayembe, Pauline O. Ndjowo, Benjamin B. Basara, Georgette S. Bongo, Charles B. Okalebo, Grace Abongo, Sophie Uyoga, Thomas N. Williams, Chiraporn Taya, Mehul Dhorda, Arjen M. Dondorp, Naomi Waithira, Mallika Imwong, Kathryn Maitland, Caterina Fanello, Nicholas P. J. Day, Joel Tarning, Nicholas J. White, Walter R. J. Taylor
Summary: This study investigated the pharmacokinetics of single low dose primaquine (SLDPQ) in African children and found that exposure to primaquine varied depending on bodyweight-adjusted dose, age, baseline haemoglobin, and CYP2D6 metaboliser status. The results support the use of age-dosed SLDPQ for transmission blocking in sub-Saharan Africa.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sean Cavany, Stella Nanyonga, Cathrin Hauk, Cherry Lim, Joel Tarning, Benn Sartorius, Christiane Dolecek, Celine Caillet, Paul N. Newton, Ben S. Cooper
Summary: Approximately 10% of antimicrobials used in low- and middle-income countries are substandard or falsified, which can potentially impact antimicrobial resistance levels. Our understanding of this relationship is limited, and further research is needed to understand how different drug exposures affect resistance emergence and spread, as well as the distribution of active pharmaceutical ingredients in substandard and falsified medicines.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
James A. Watson, Thomas J. Peto, Nicholas J. White
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Aye Sandar Zaw, Ei Shwe Sin Win, Soe Wai Yan, Kyaw Sithu Thein, Vasundhara Verma, Alistair R. D. Mclean, Thar Tun Kyaw, Nicholas J. White, Frank M. Smithuis
Summary: The introduction of community health workers providing early diagnosis and treatment for malaria in remote communities in Mon state, Myanmar, has resulted in a significant reduction in malaria cases.