Sanofi-Aventis reports availability of malaria therapy

Sanofi-Aventis has announced that its fixed dose combination of artesunate (AS) and amodiaquine (AQ) malaria therapy – ASAQ – will soon be made available in sub-Saharan Africa.

The compound has been developed by the company in partnership with fixed-dose artemisinin-based combination therapy partners managed by the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi).

Sanofi-Aventis reports that the compound has been adapted to follow World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations and is suited for patients of all ages, while being simply administered in a once-daily dose.

The compound is also a non-patented pharmaceutical supplied at a preferential price to public markets, with 20 sub-Saharan countries that have adopted artemisinin choosing the ASAQ combination.

Jean-Francois Dehec, chairman of Sanofi-Aventis, commented that the firm was proud to be involved in the DNDi partnership.

“In manufacturing the drug in Morocco for use in sub-Saharan Africa and in applying for WHO prequalification, we aim to ensure that ASAQ is made available to patients as soon as possible, while at the same time demonstrating adherence to international quality standards.”

The treatment is available at a cost price of under $1 (0.52 pounds) for adults and less than half this amount for younger children.

Sanofi-Aventis announced a partnership agreement with the DNDi for the development of a combination of AS and AQ available at a target price of less than $1 in April 2005.