Artesunate
| Evidence Level: L5 | Predicted Indications: 10 |
Table of Contents
Artesunate: From Malaria to Acne (Disease)
One-Sentence Summary
Artesunate was originally used to treat malaria, including Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections. The TxGNN model predicts it may be effective for acne, but there are currently 0 clinical trials and 0 publications supporting this prediction. It is a model prediction only.
Quick Overview
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Original Indication | Malaria (Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria) |
| Predicted New Indication | Acne (disease) |
| TxGNN Prediction Score | 79.21% |
| Evidence Level | L5 |
| Singapore Market Status | ✓ Marketed |
| Number of Registrations | 1 |
| Recommended Decision | Hold |
Why is This Prediction Reasonable?
Currently, detailed mechanism of action data is not available. Based on known information, artesunate is an artemisinin derivative whose efficacy in malaria is established, and it may mechanistically be applicable to acne through anti-inflammatory effects, though this link is unverified.
Artemisinin derivatives have been reported to suppress inflammatory signalling (for example NF-κB and cytokine pathways). Because acne has an inflammatory component, this could explain the prediction. However, no trials or literature were compiled to support it, and the link between an antimalarial and a skin condition remains speculative.
Other predictions in the list are also unverified. Among them, diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis (score 66.16%) is biologically the most plausible, since Leishmania is a protozoan parasite like Plasmodium. Several predictions (smouldering systemic mastocytosis, systemic mastocytosis, lymphoadenopathic mastocytosis with eosinophilia) form a cluster of related mastocytosis entities, which suggests the scores may reflect similarity within the knowledge graph rather than a biological rationale.
Singapore Market Information
| Authorization Number | Product Name | Dosage Form | Approved Indication |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIN17135P | Artesunate Amivas Powder and Solvent for Solution for Injection 110mg/vial | Injection, powder, for solution | Not stated in the compiled data |
The only registered product is an injectable formulation, so any use in acne would need a route-compatibility assessment (for example, a topical or oral product).
Safety Considerations
- Drug Interactions: 74 interactions were identified. Among those listed, one is classified as Major: eluxadoline. The others shown are Moderate, including eliglustat, rolapitant, cobicistat, eltrombopag, fostamatinib, alpelisib, valsartan, apalutamide, atazanavir, axitinib, brigatinib, cabozantinib, diclofenac, capmatinib, carbamazepine, ceritinib, crizotinib, daclatasvir and darolutamide.
Please refer to the package insert for warnings and contraindications.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Decision: Hold
Rationale: The prediction rests only on the TxGNN model score (Evidence Level L5). No clinical trials or literature support it, mechanism of action data is missing, and the only Singapore product is an injectable.
To proceed, the following is needed:
- A targeted literature and clinical trial search for artesunate or artemisinin derivatives in acne and inflammatory skin disease
- Mechanism of action data
- Package insert warnings and contraindications for the registered product
- A route-compatibility assessment, since the registered product is injectable
- A comparison of acne with diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is biologically more plausible and may deserve priority
Disclaimer
This content is for research purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical validation is required before any clinical application.