Efficacy and safety of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (Artekin) in Cambodian children and adults with uncomplicated falciparum malaria

Abstract

The safety and efficacy of a novel combination of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and piperaquine, Artekin (Holleykin Pharmaceuticals), were assessed in 106 patients (76 children and 30 adults) with uncomplicated falciparum malaria from 2 remote areas in Cambodia. Age-based doses were given at 0, 8, 24, and 32 h. Mean total DHA and piperaquine doses were 9.1 and 73.9 mg/kg, respectively, for children and 6.6 and 52.9 mg/kg for adults. All patients became aparasitemic within 72 h. Excluding the results for 1 child who died on day 4, there was a 96.9% 28-day cure rate (98.6% in children and 92.3% in adults). Patients who had recrudescent infection received low doses of Artekin. Side effects were reported by 22 patients (21%) but did not necessitate premature cessation of therapy. Although Artekin is a promising and inexpensive option for antimalarial therapy, further efficacy and pharmacokinetic studies are needed, especially for its use in children.