What it is
Pyramax® and Eurartesim® are two established antimalarial medicines whose safety and efficacy have been progressively expanded through EDCTP-supported research to reach more patient groups who lack specific treatments, such as children, pregnant women, and patients requiring re-treatment.
Why it matters
Malaria is a leading cause of child mortality in Africa, and treatment options remain insufficient for many priority populations. Extending proven medicines to new groups is as important as developing new ones. By supporting the generation of this evidence, EDCTP has helped ensure that more people can access safe, effective treatment.
The story
Each year, malaria affects more than 250 million people and causes over half a million deaths, the majority among children under five.[1] Since 2003, EDCTP has supported over 20 malaria research projects,[2] advancing simpler and improved therapies for children with severe malaria[3] and for pregnant women.[4]
EDCTP-supported research has contributed to broadening the reach of two important antimalarial medicines:
Pyramax® (pyronaridine tetraphosphate and artesunate) js a medicine used to treat uncomplicated malaria, caused by two types of malaria parasites, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. In 2012, it was approved as an effective antimalarial treatment[5] by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). EDCTP has since supported studies to reconfirm its safety and efficacy for re-treatment,[6]expand its label to include pregnant women,[7] and facilitate the development of a paediatric formulation.[8] These efforts have progressively strengthened the evidence base, enabling its use for the populations that need it most.
Eurartesim® (piperaquine tetraphosphate and artenimol) is a fixed-dose artemisinin-based combination therapy. With EDCTP funding, researchers conducted clinical trials to assess its safety, optimal dosing, and side effects in vulnerable groups, including young children across sub-Saharan Africa.[9]
These studies generated evidence that informed World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations and strengthened the evidence base for Eurartesim®, supporting its approval by the European Medicines Agency as a treatment option for uncomplicated malaria.[10]
Today, it is widely used across Africa and Asia and has been adopted as a second-line therapy in countries such as Ghana, where it continues to show efficacy rates above 90% in children under routine use.[11]
Global Health EDCTP3 continues to drive innovation against malaria, including supporting new formulations to address drug resistance,[12] protect pregnant women,[13] and improve vector-control tools.[14]
Sources:
[2] Malaria – International partnerships against infectious diseasesand Malaria treatment – EDCTP
[3] Simplified artesunate regimen found efficacious in treating children with severe malaria – EDCTP
[4] PREGACT: Safety and efficacy of four artemisinin-based combination treatments in African pregnant women with malaria – EDCTP
[5] Pyramax – opinion on medicine for use outside EU | European Medicines Agency (EMA)
[6] Re-treating malaria with Pyramax®: WANECAM study supports safety and efficacy – EDCTP
[7] Pyramax® label update: Now includes information for the treatment of pregnant women with malaria | Medicines for Malaria Venture
[8] Pyramax® approved as antimalarial for treatment of multiple episodes of malaria – EDCTP
[9] Malaria treatment: The 4ABC study
[10] European Medicines Agency recommends new malaria treatment for approval | European Medicines Agency (EMA)
[11] Abuaku B, Boateng P, Peprah NY, Asamoah A, Duah-Quashie NO, Matrevi SA, Amoako EO, Quashie N, Owusu-Antwi F, Malm KL and Koram KA (2023) Therapeutic efficacy of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine combination for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in Ghana. Front. Cell. Infect. Microbiol. 12:1058660. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1058660
[12] WANECAM-2 consortium reports positive results from phase 2b study of novel treatment for children with malaria
[13] Home – SAFIRE – Safety of Antimalarials in FIRst trimEster
Related links
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Pyramax® and Eurartesim® are two established antimalarial medicines whose safety and efficacy have been progressively expanded through EDCTP-supported research to reach more patient groups who lack specific treatments, such as children, pregnant women, and patients requiring re-treatment.
Our added value for Europe
EDCTP boosts Europe’s competitiveness by advancing research excellence, innovation, and public–private cooperation in global health. By supporting late-stage development and Africa–Europe partnerships, it bridges the EU innovation gap and creates new market and investment opportunities.
EDCTP strengthens Europe’s health security by tackling climate-sensitive diseases and antimicrobial resistance, enhancing surveillance, and accelerating medical countermeasures. Its rapid crisis responses, from Ebola to COVID-19, show its agility in protecting Europe and global health.
EDCTP drives Europe’s science diplomacy through fair Africa–Europe partnerships that tackle global health challenges. Its equitable governance and ethical research practices strengthen EU credibility and global influence.
EDCTP strengthens Europe’s leadership in digital health by investing in AI, data, and digital technologies while training researchers in fields like bioinformatics and genomic epidemiology.
EDCTP advances the EU’s human rights goals by promoting ethical, inclusive research that addresses unmet medical needs. It ensures innovations reach vulnerable populations while strengthening local scientific and health systems.
Our added value for Africa
EDCTP improves health and prosperity in Africa by funding clinical research, strengthening local capacities, and empowering African scientists. Its investments reduce the burden of infectious diseases, boost productivity, and support sustainable development across the continent.
EDCTP builds Africa’s capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to outbreaks through training, research, and strong partnerships. Its work accelerates vaccine and diagnostic development and reinforces the continent’s health resilience.
EDCTP strengthens Africa’s clinical research ecosystem by investing in skills, infrastructure, and regulatory systems. Initiatives like CTCAN and PACTR connect researchers and regulators, expanding quality trials and fostering local leadership.
EDCTP strengthens Africa-led health partnerships with organisations like Africa CDC and WHO AFRO, aligning research and investment with continental priorities. As an AU–EU Innovation Agenda partner, it builds skills, fosters co-investment, and drives sustainable cooperation.
EDCTP promotes health equity by developing practical solutions for underserved communities, including newborns and children, women, urban poor and rural communities. It funds accessible technologies and digital tools that expand healthcare reach and improve outcomes for those most in need.