Last Updated: 31/10/2025
Enhancing clinical management of paediatric malaria in endemic areas with transmission of multiple Plasmodium species: Optimised primaquine treatment for children with uncomplicated malaria due to infection with either P. vivax or P. falciparum
Objectives
The main aim of this project is to advance the treatment of paediatric malaria in areas with intense transmission of multiple Plasmodium species in relation to prevention of both post-treatment relapses of P. vivax and gametocyte carriage following uncomplicated malaria with either species.
Specific objectives:
- To accurately define a possible pharmacokinetic interaction via cytochrome P450 2D6 inhibition, between the lumefantrine component of artemether-lumefantrine and primaquine.
- To perform a comparative study (using a relapse control cohort) of the efficacy of an abbreviated course of high-dose primaquine given with artemether-lumefantrine to prevent relapses of P. vivax and gametocyte carriage in children in Papua New Guinea with uncomplicated malaria due to either Plasmodium species.
- To perform a randomized, open label, comparative study of early versus delayed primaquine treatment given with artemether-lumefantrine to prevent P. vivax and gametocyte carriage in children in Papua New Guinea with uncomplicated malaria due to either Plasmodium species.
Principal Institution
Principal Investigators / Focal Persons
Rationale and Abstract
Malaria remains a major problem for children in developing countries especially where different types of the disease are common. A novel method of giving medicine via a spray under the tongue for sick children before arrival at hospital and modified dosing schedules of an old drug used for treating parasites hidden in the liver will be studied.
External reference
Date
Jan 2017 — Dec 2019
Total Project Funding
$637,470
Funding Details
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Australia, Australia
Grant ID: Grant ID: 1130301
AUD 867,511
Project Site
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