E-DRUG: Artemether/lumefantrine oral liquid formulation (2)
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[This information from the industry is provided in response to the query from Dr Barasa W. Edwine (May 1) and may be of interest to others looking for extemporaneous artemether / lumefantrine preparations to treat children with malaria. BS]
Dear e-druggers:
Novartis has recently received several inquiries about whether artemether / lumefantrine can be provided in an oral liquid formulation. The short answer is that yes, the currently available Coartem tablets (a fixed combination of artemether / lumefantrine) can be crushed
and given to children mixed with liquid as mentioned by Falade et al., in
Trans.R.Soc.Trop.Med.Hyg. (2005), 99, 459-467.
Moreover, Novartis is committed to continuously improving the treatment of
malaria with artemisinin-based combinations. Together with the Medicines for Malaria
Venture, Novartis is developing dispersible tablets of Coartem for use in
children, i.e. tablets that quickly disperse in liquid to form a
consumer-friendly drink solution. Dispersible tablets were selected from a
range of possible formulations, since they are stable during storage
before dispersing and because they can be dosed correctly. The clinical
studies with the dispersible tablets are currently in Phase 3.
We trust that this information answers this question.
Bob Laverty - VP Communications
Malaria Initiatives
Novartis Corporation
608 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10020
Office: 212-830-2423
Mobile: 609-506-9693
bob.laverty@novartis.com