• DNDi - Best Science for the Most Neglected 20 Years
  • Our work
    • Diseases
      • Sleeping sickness
      • Visceral leishmaniasis
      • Cutaneous leishmaniasis
      • Chagas disease
      • Filaria: river blindness
      • Mycetoma
      • Paediatric HIV
      • Cryptococcal meningitis
      • Hepatitis C
      • Dengue
      • COVID-19
      • Antimicrobial resistance
    • Research & development
      • R&D portfolio & list of projects
      • Drug discovery
      • Translational research
      • Clinical trials
      • Registration & access
      • Treatments delivered
    • Advocacy
      • Open and collaborative R&D
      • Transparency of R&D costs
      • Pro-access policies
      • Children’s health
      • Gender equity
      • Climate change
      • AI and new technologies
  • Networks & partners
    • Partnerships
      • Our partners
      • Partnering with us
    • Global networks
      • Chagas Platform
      • Dengue Alliance
      • HAT Platform
      • HELP Helminth Elimination Platform
      • LEAP Platform
      • redeLEISH Network
    • DNDi worldwide
      • DNDi Switzerland
      • DNDi DRC
      • DNDi Eastern Africa
      • DNDi Japan
      • DNDi Latin America
      • DNDi North America
      • DNDi South Asia
      • DNDi South-East Asia
      • DNDi Southern Africa
  • News & resources
    • News & stories
      • News
      • Stories
      • Statements
      • Viewpoints
      • Social media
      • eNews Newsletter
    • Press
      • Press releases
      • In the media
    • Resources
      • Scientific articles
      • Our publications
      • Videos
    • Events
  • About us
    • About
      • Who we are
      • How we work
      • Our strategy
      • Our donors
      • Annual reports
    • Our people
      • Our leadership
      • Our governance
      • Contact us
    • Work with us
      • Working at DNDi
      • Job opportunities
      • Requests for proposal
  • Donate
DNDi - Best Science for the Most Neglected 20 Years
  • DNDi - Best Science for the Most Neglected 20 Years
  • Our work
    • Diseases
      • Sleeping sickness
      • Visceral leishmaniasis
      • Cutaneous leishmaniasis
      • Chagas disease
      • Filaria: river blindness
      • Mycetoma
      • Paediatric HIV
      • Cryptococcal meningitis
      • Hepatitis C
      • Dengue
      • COVID-19
      • Antimicrobial resistance
    • Research & development
      • R&D portfolio & list of projects
      • Drug discovery
      • Translational research
      • Clinical trials
      • Registration & access
      • Treatments delivered
    • Advocacy
      • Open and collaborative R&D
      • Transparency of R&D costs
      • Pro-access policies
      • Children’s health
      • Gender equity
      • Climate change
      • AI and new technologies
  • Networks & partners
    • Partnerships
      • Our partners
      • Partnering with us
    • Global networks
      • Chagas Platform
      • Dengue Alliance
      • HAT Platform
      • HELP Helminth Elimination Platform
      • LEAP Platform
      • redeLEISH Network
    • DNDi worldwide
      • DNDi Switzerland
      • DNDi DRC
      • DNDi Eastern Africa
      • DNDi Japan
      • DNDi Latin America
      • DNDi North America
      • DNDi South Asia
      • DNDi South-East Asia
      • DNDi Southern Africa
  • News & resources
    • News & stories
      • News
      • Stories
      • Statements
      • Viewpoints
      • Social media
      • eNews Newsletter
    • Press
      • Press releases
      • In the media
    • Resources
      • Scientific articles
      • Our publications
      • Videos
    • Events
  • About us
    • About
      • Who we are
      • How we work
      • Our strategy
      • Our donors
      • Annual reports
    • Our people
      • Our leadership
      • Our governance
      • Contact us
    • Work with us
      • Working at DNDi
      • Job opportunities
      • Requests for proposal
  • Donate
Home > Press releases

New, Once-a-Day Fixed-Dose Combination Against Malaria Now Available

Paris, France — 1 Mar 2007
Share on twitter
Share on facebook
Share on linkedin
Share on email
Share on print

Sanofi-aventis and the non-profit Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) announced today that ASAQ, the new fixed-dose combination of artesunate (AS) and amodiaquine (AQ), will soon be available throughout sub-Saharan Africa. ASAQ is the first drug developed by the FACT (Fixed-dose, Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy) partners, managed by DNDi in partnership with sanofi-aventis.
[Français]

  • Read more about the ASAQ project

One of 4 artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) that have been recommended by WHO since 2001 to thwart the emergence of resistances, the association of AS and AQ is now available in an innovative ASAQ fixed-dose formulation. It will be available in all markets, including public ones at a preferential price. To date, of the 41 sub-Saharan countries that have adopted ACTs in their malaria treatment protocols, 20 have chosen the combination of artesunate and amodiaquine.

ASAQ is an innovative product to treat malaria that is:
– Adapted to patient needs of all ages, a fixed combination of two well-known drugs, and following WHO recommendations,
– Simple as a once-a-day regimen easy to manage for the prescriber and the patient,
– Accessible as a non-patented drug, at an affordable price,
– Quality in terms of galenical development, manufacturing and storage.

“Sanofi-aventis is very proud to be involved in this innovative partnership” said Jean-François Dehecq, Chairman of sanofi-aventis. “In manufacturing the drug in Morocco for use in sub-Saharan Africa and in applying for WHO prequalification we aim to ensure that ASAQ is made available to patients as soon as possible, while, at the same time, demonstrating adherence to international quality standards.”

For a full treatment cost of less than US $ 0.50 for children less than 5 years old, and a cost of less than US $ 1 for older children and adults, ASAQ will be available at a “no profit-no loss” price to public organizations of endemic countries, international institutions, NGOs, and programs promoting access to drugs in pharmacies.

“This new fixed-dose combination has been adapted to patients’ needs by being simple to use, more affordable and a quality product,” said Dr. Bernard Pecoul, Executive Director of DNDi. “The fact that ASAQ is made so affordable right from the start and is not under patent removes a significant barrier to its availability and should serve as a model for future drug development for neglected diseases.”

In Africa, where malaria consumes 25% of household incomes and kills approximately 3,000 children every day, ASAQ offers a state-of-the-art galenical formulation with 4 presentations, 3 for children and one for adults. Patients with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria are treated in a simple, once-a-day dosing regimen over the course of three days.

“The world urgently needs more, affordable and easy-to-use fixed-dose treatment for malaria, especially for children,” remarked Dr Awa Marie Coll-Seck, Executive Director – Roll Back Malaria Partnership. “We welcome this new product developed in a public-private partnership.”

ASAQ is available under the name Artesunate-Amodiaquine Winthrop® (ASAQ) for public markets, and under the brand name Coarsucam® in private markets.

Background information on the drug

ASAQ is one of two fixed-dose ACTs developed through the innovative FACT Project (Fixed-dose, Artemisininbased Combination Therapy) managed by the non-profit product development organization, Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi). Since 2004, sanofi-aventis has been responsible for co-development, industrial production, registration and worldwide implementation of the product.

Easier to use
To improve patient compliance and to reduce the risks of resistance, the use of antimalarial drugs should be as simple as possible. The fixed-dose combination avoids the risk for patients to take one active ingredient only. The new formulation is so designed that adult treatment is limited to 2 tablets per day for three days, instead of 8 tablets per day. The paediatric dosing for infants and children is also simplified: one tablet a day for three days. The paediatric formulations can be easily crushed and mixed with liquids or semi-liquid food, which considerably facilitates drug administration. Compared with the presently available co-blisters or loose combinations the fixed-dose combination is a real step forward.

More affordable
This new drug is less expensive than all other fixed-dose combinations containing artemisinin derivatives. Sanofiaventis and DNDi made a commitment to provide it at a “no profit-no loss” price to the poorest patients. This price level will apply, right from the start, to public markets. Furthermore, this new formulation is not covered by any patent.

Malaria in Figures
– Malaria, is, with HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, one of the three most important diseases in Africa according to WHO. It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and consumes 25% of household incomes in Africa.
– The disease is present in over 100 countries and threatens half of the world’s population.
– Every year, 350 to 500 million cases of malaria occur worldwide, with over 1 million deaths, affecting mostly children in sub-Saharan Africa.
– Malaria remains the single largest cause of death for children under five in Africa, where it kills one child every 30 seconds – this translates to the deaths of approximately 3,000 children every day.
– To date, twenty national protocols in Africa as well as in Indonesia have recommended combining artesunate and amodiaquine in a first-line treatment.
– It is estimated that tens of millions of people could benefit from this treatment each year.

About DNDi

The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) is an independent, not-for-profit drug development initiative established in 2003 by five public-sector research organisations – Oswaldo Cruz Foundation Brazil, IMCR (Indian Council of Medical Research), KEMRI (Kenya Medical Research Institute), Malaysian Ministry of Health, and France’s Institut Pasteur and Médecins Sans Frontières. The UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO’s Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) is a permanent observer to the initiative.

ASAQ is the first drug developed by DNDi. With a current portfolio of 22 projects, DNDi aims to develop new, improved, and field-relevant drugs for neglected diseases, such as malaria, leishmaniasis, human African trypanosomiasis, and Chagas disease. DNDi also raises awareness about the need for greater R&D for neglected diseases and strengthens existing research capacity in disease-endemic countries.

The Fixed-dose Artesunate-based Combination Therapies (FACT) project, initiated in 2002, demonstrates the efficacy of partnerships in the field of drug R&D for neglected diseases. Fast-track development, testing, and registration of the two FDCs, artesunate-amodiaquine (AS/AQ) and artesunate-mefloquine (AS/MQ), were the primary objectives of the project and are being achieved by the multi-partner FACT Project Consortium: DNDi; Tropival of the Bordeaux II University, France; Oxford University, UK; Universiti Sains Malaysia; Mahidol University, Thailand; Farmanguinhos, Brazil; TDR in Switzerland; and the Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme (CNRFP) in Burkina Faso. Consistent with DNDi’s mission of collaboration based on relative strengths, the FACT project capitalizes on the skills and know-how of a broad range of partners in both developing and developed countries. Thus far, the FACT project has received financial support from the European Union, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the Swiss Development Cooperation, the Dutch and the UK governments, and MSF.

About sanofi-aventis

Sanofi-aventis is one of the world leaders in the pharmaceutical industry, ranking number one in Europe. Backed by a world-class R&D organisation, sanofi-aventis is developing leading positions in seven major therapeutic areas: cardiovascular, thrombosis, oncology, metabolic diseases, central nervous system, internal medicine and vaccines. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).

“Sanofi-aventis Impact Malaria Programme”
Sanofi-aventis reiterates its historic involvement in the fight against malaria, through its Impact Malaria programme and its medicines. Initially, with the derivatives of quinine and chloroquine, then with the first derivative of artemisinin, Arsumax, made available in Africa in 1996, and more recently with Arsucam, co-blister of artesunate and amodiaquine (separate tablets put together in the same package).
The Impact Malaria programme was created in 2001 and is sanofi-aventis contribution to the fight against malaria. Its four major axes are:
1. to discover new antimalarial drugs,
2. to develop new combinations or formulations from existing drugs, particularly ACTs,
3. to inform, educate and communicate about malaria, especially remote healthcare facilities, communities and families,
4. to distribute antimalarial drugs which are vital to the poorest populations, with a differential pricing approach, including a “no profit-no loss” policy.
These actions are carried out with public and private healthcare organisations and the health authorities in the countries concerned, notably through national malaria control programmes in liaison with the WHO, Roll Back Malaria Partnership and leading international institutions.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements include financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives and expectations with respect to future events, operations, products and services, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words “expect,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “plans” and similar expressions. Although sanofi-aventis’ management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forwardlooking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of sanofi-aventis, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include those discussed or identified in the public filings with the SEC and the AMF made by sanofi-aventis, including those listed under “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in sanofi-aventis’ annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2005. Other than as required by applicable law, sanofi-aventis does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements.

Partnership Malaria

Read, watch, share

Loading...
Davide Paparo and Ian Hausler with their thermotherapy device "CLARA"
Stories
16 Mar 2023

Cutaneous leishmaniasis: Swiss students develop innovative thermotherapy device for safer treatment of ‘flesh-eating parasite’

Stories
8 Mar 2023

Highlighting gender-based treatment gaps on International Women’s Day: Mary Alamak’s story

DNDi-GARDP Southern Africa director, Carol Ruffell (left), presents the December 2022 edition of HIV Nursing Matters and the 2022 paediatric ARV dosing chart to Bénédicte Schutz, Monaco’s Director of International Cooperation (centre), and Yordanos Pasquier, Monaco’s Deputy Director of International Cooperation (right).
News
3 Mar 2023

Working together to ensure optimal treatment for children living with HIV in South Africa

Nurse with patient
Press releases
1 Mar 2023

Fiocruz and DNDi sign strategic alliance agreement

Statements
28 Feb 2023

DNDi’s submission to the Technical Assessment component of the first Global Stocktake

Statements
22 Feb 2023

DNDi comments on the zero draft of the WHO CA+ for consideration of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body at INB4 & 5

Hat Platform Newsletter N°22 screenshot
Publications
22 Feb 2023

HAT Platform Newsletter No. 22

Lab activities
News
20 Feb 2023

First in-person Dengue Alliance meeting brings together experts from dengue-endemic countries to develop treatments for a growing viral threat

VIEW ALL

Help neglected patients

To date, we have delivered twelve new treatments, saving millions of lives.

Our goal is to deliver 25 new treatments in our first 25 years. You can help us get there. 

GIVE NOW
DNDi - Best Science for the Most Neglected 20 Years
Facebook-f
Twitter
Instagram
Linkedin-in
Youtube
International non-profit developing safe, effective, and affordable treatments for the most neglected patients.

Learn more

  • Diseases
  • Neglected tropical diseases
  • R&D portfolio
  • Policy advocacy

Get in touch

  • Our offices
  • Contact us
  • Integrity Line

Support us

  • Donate
  • Subscribe to eNews

Work with us

  • Join research networks
  • Jobs
  • RFPs
  • Terms of Use   
  •   Acceptable Use Policy   
  •   Privacy Policy   
  •   Cookie Policy   
  •   Our policies   

  • Except for images, films and trademarks which are subject to DNDi’s Terms of Use, content on this site is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Switzerland License   
We use cookies to track our audience and improve our content. By clicking 'Accept All', you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Click on 'Customize' to accept only some cookies.
Customize
REJECT ACCEPT ALL
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement1 yearSet by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the "Advertisement" category .
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
CookieLawInfoConsent1 yearRecords the default button state of the corresponding category & the status of CCPA. It works only in coordination with the primary cookie.
PHPSESSIDsessionThis cookie is native to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
CookieDurationDescription
elementorneverThis cookie is used by the website's WordPress theme. It allows the website owner to implement or change the website's content in real-time.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
CookieDurationDescription
_ga2 yearsThe _ga cookie, installed by Google Analytics, calculates visitor, session and campaign data and also keeps track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognize unique visitors.
_ga_16Q5RH3XRG2 yearsThis cookie is installed by Google Analytics.
_gat_UA-10302561-11 minuteA variation of the _gat cookie set by Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager to allow website owners to track visitor behaviour and measure site performance. The pattern element in the name contains the unique identity number of the account or website it relates to.
_gid1 dayInstalled by Google Analytics, _gid cookie stores information on how visitors use a website, while also creating an analytics report of the website's performance. Some of the data that are collected include the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously.
_hjAbsoluteSessionInProgress30 minutesHotjar sets this cookie to detect the first pageview session of a user. This is a True/False flag set by the cookie.
_hjFirstSeen30 minutesHotjar sets this cookie to identify a new user’s first session. It stores a true/false value, indicating whether it was the first time Hotjar saw this user.
_hjIncludedInPageviewSample2 minutesHotjar sets this cookie to know whether a user is included in the data sampling defined by the site's pageview limit.
_hjIncludedInSessionSample2 minutesHotjar sets this cookie to know whether a user is included in the data sampling defined by the site's daily session limit.
_hjSession_112884430 minutesHotjar sets this cookie.
_hjSessionUser_11288441 yearHotjar sets this cookie.
CONSENT2 yearsYouTube sets this cookie via embedded youtube-videos and registers anonymous statistical data.
Targeting
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
SAVE & ACCEPT
Powered by CookieYes Logo