Sanofi-aventis and DNDi welcome on 16 October 2008 the approval by the World Health Organization (WHO) Prequalification of Medicines Program of Coarsucam™/Artesunate Amodiaquine Winthrop® (ASAQ). ASAQ is the first antimalarial, fixed-dose combination with a soluble formulation, specifically designed for children, to be granted a “prequalified” status. The WHO Prequalification Program aims to make quality priority medicines available in the fields of HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and reproductive health. Products found to live up to the WHO quality standards are included in a "prequalified list" of products. This list, initially intended for procurement of medicines by United Nations agencies, has now become a vital tool for many agencies and organisations involved in bulk purchasing of medicines.

See also:

• Chagas Disease: Agreement between Lafepe and DNDi on Safe, Easy-to-Use Treatment for Children
• Visceral Leishmaniasis: 11th LEAP meeting takes place in Addis Ababa to Discuss VL Strategy Plan
• DNDi Event:
  Indian Scientists Catalyse Efforts in Research and Development for New Treatments for Neglected Diseases
• BBC Documentary on Sleeping Sickness