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Dihydroartemisinin is a very potent antimalarial agent derived

from Artemisinin, a naturally occurring antimalarial principle
isolated from the Chinese herb Artemisia annua L.
Although the herb has been used for malaria therapy for over a
thousand years, the active principle Artemisinin was isolated and
characterized in 1972 by a group of a Chinese scientists.
The compound has attracted great attention because it offered
effective control against the strains of Plasmodium falciparum that
have over the years developed resistance to quinine and
chloroquin treatment.
Following the isolation and characterization of Artemisinin several
derivatives have been synthesized and studied extensively. They
were proved to be more potent than Artemisinin itself.
Metabolic studies have shown that all Artemisinine derivatives are
metabolized to the biologically active metabolite
Dihydroartemisinin once they are absorbed in the body. They
are pro-drugs to Dihydroartemisinin.
Dihydroartemisinin appears to be the more potent antimalarial
derivative since it is the metabolite responsible for antimalarial
activity.
Results of various comparative studies on the antimalarial
activities of Dihydroartemisinin and other derivatives confirmed
the highest activity of Dihydroartemisinin against the whole
range of malaria parasites1,2,3.
Clinical trials in China, and Thailand proved Dihydroartemisinin
effective in treatment of multi-drug resistant falciparum malaria
giving cure rates as high as 98% after 7 days of therapy.
The drug in all cases appears safe, well tolerated with high
efficacy and virtually no toxicity.
Dihydroartemisinin is now in widespread use for the treatment of
malaria, particularly in Southeast Asia and China, where
resistance to other antimalarials has become common.
ARTEMAX
(Dihydroartemisinin)
Well established drug of choice for the treatment
of all types of malaria
- Broader stage - specificity of action than the usual
antimalarial drugs.
- Proved effectiveness against any species, including
Plasmodium falciparum.
- Highly effective for the treatment of those types of
malaria which are resistant to conventional
antimalarial drugs.
In particular cases ARTEMAX can be safely administered in
association with other commonly used antimalarial preparations.
The safety of ARTEMAX has been proved through its traditional
use in most cases of endemic malaria in many regions.

- Rapid absorption
- The active metabolite of ARTEMAX is the drug itself
- Specific activity against malaria - infected erythrocytes
- Rapid elimination of the parasite from the blood stream
- Virtually free of acute and chronic toxicity
- Particular effect on multi-resistant strains
- Excellent tolerance with virtually no side-effects
- Practically free of contraindications
ARTEMAX
The optimal management of malaria
in all stages of the illness.
- Marked antifebrile activity in a short time
- Very low rate of relapse.
- Clinical improvement within a few days.
ARTEMAX
Ensures easy compliance of all patients.
Availability:
Tablets of 60 mg

Dosage: Initial intake of 2 tablets

Followed by one tablet daily

A VALUABLE AND POTENT ANTIMALARIAL TOOL

FOR EVERYDAY MEDICAL PRACTICE
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. HASSAN-ALI M, BJORKMAN A, ASHTON M.
In vitro activity of Artemisinin, its derivatives, and pyronaridine
against different strains of Plasmodium falsiparum.
Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 1990: 84: 635-37.
2. JAASE C.J., WATERS A.P., KOS J. and LUGT C.B.
Comparison of in VIVO and in VITRO antimalarial activity of
Artemisinin, Dihydroartemisinin and sodium Artesunate in the
Plasmodium berghei - rodent model.
International Journal for Parasitology 1993: 24: 589-594.
3. LEE I.S. and HUFFORD C.D. Pharmacol. Ther. 1990: 48: 345.
4. LI G.Q., GUO X.B., FUL. C., JIAN H.X. and WANG X.H. Clinical
trials of Artemisinin and its derivatives in the treatment a
malaria in China. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical
Medicine and Hygiene 1994: 88: 5-6.
5. LOOAREESUWAN S., WILAIRATANA P., VANIZANONTA S.,
PITISUT TITHUM P., VIRAVAN C. Treatment of acute,
uncomplicated, falciparum malaria with oral
Dihydroartemisinin. Annuals of Tropical Medicine and
Parasitology, 1995: 90: 21-28.