Publication: Fake artesunate in southeast Asia
Issued Date
2001-06-16
Resource Type
ISSN
01406736
Other identifier(s)
2-s2.0-0035897913
Rights
Mahidol University
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Lancet. Vol.357, No.9272 (2001), 1948-1950
Suggested Citation
Paul Newton, Stephane Proux, Michael Green, Frank Smithuis, Jan Rozendaal, Sompol Prakongpan, Kesinee Chotivanich, Mayfong Mayxay, Sornchai Looareesuwan, Jeremy Farrar, Francois Nosten, Nicholas J. White Fake artesunate in southeast Asia. Lancet. Vol.357, No.9272 (2001), 1948-1950. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(00)05085-6 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/26757
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Title
Fake artesunate in southeast Asia
Abstract
Artesunate is a key antimalarial drug in the treatment of multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria in southeast Asia. We investigated the distribution of counterfeit artesunate tablets by use of the validated, simple, and inexpensive Fast Red TR dye technique. We also aimed to identify distinguishing characteristics of the fake drugs. Of 104 shop-bought "artesunate" samples from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, and Vietnam, 38% did not contain artesunate. Characteristics such as cost and physical appearance of the tablets and packaging reliably predicted authenticity. The illicit trade in counterfeit antimalarials is a great threat to the lives of patients with malaria. The dye test will assist national malaria control authorities in urgently needed campaigns to stop this murderous trade.