The new fixed-dose combination drug artesunate and amodiaquine (ASAQ) was launched on 1 March 2007 and it is too early to assess the rollout. Although countries can buy the drug now, most will wait until it passes through the World Health Organisation (WHO) pre-qualification process. After this the drug can be procured through international drug purchasing facilities, such as the global fund for AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
The drugs for neglected diseases initiative (DNDi) will monitor all aspects of the rollout to ensure that the drug is taken up by countries and delivered to patients. ASAQ has been produced in partnership with the pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Aventis who have extensive distribution networks in Africa. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are recommended by WHO for the treatment of malaria, and ASAQ is an ACT recommended first line treatment in 20 African countries. Because of this and the fact that ASAQ is easier to use and less expensive than existing ACT drugs, DNDi expects quick take up by countries.
ASAQ can only be used where there is no pre-existing resistance to amodiaquine, so it is most relevant for use in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in the 20 countries where it is already recommended for first line treatment. It is less likely to be used in Asia (although it may be used in parts of India and Indonesia) and Latin America.