Povidone-Iodine
| Evidence Level: L5 | Predicted Indications: 10 |
Table of Contents
- Povidone-Iodine
- Povidone-iodine: From Topical Antisepsis (Sore Throat Spray) to Plasmodium falciparum Malaria
Povidone-iodine: From Topical Antisepsis (Sore Throat Spray) to Plasmodium falciparum Malaria
One-Sentence Summary
Povidone-iodine is a broad-spectrum topical antiseptic. In Singapore it is registered as a sore throat spray. The TxGNN model predicts it may be effective for Plasmodium falciparum malaria, but no clinical trials and no publications support this prediction, so it is a computational signal only.
Quick Overview
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Original Indication | The registration record does not state an approved indication. The only registered product is a sore throat spray (topical antiseptic use). |
| Predicted New Indication | Plasmodium falciparum malaria |
| TxGNN Prediction Score | 88.33% |
| 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 in the data compiled for this report. Based on known information, povidone-iodine is a broad-spectrum topical antiseptic. It releases free iodine, which oxidizes microbial components and kills bacteria, fungi and viruses on contact.
This does not translate well to malaria. P. falciparum is a blood-stage parasite that lives inside red blood cells. Treating it requires a drug that reaches the bloodstream at safe concentrations. Povidone-iodine has no established systemic antiplasmodial activity and is not suited to systemic use. The high TxGNN score most likely reflects network similarity in the knowledge graph (it is a general anti-infective) and not a biological rationale. The mechanistic link is therefore weak.
Clinical Trial Evidence
Currently no related clinical trials registered.
Literature Evidence
Currently no related literature available.
Singapore Market Information
| Authorization Number | Product Name | Dosage Form | Approved Indication |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIN15313P | Betadine Sore Throat Spray 0.45% w/v (Mundipharma Pharmaceuticals Ltd) | Spray | Not stated in the registration record |
Safety Considerations
- Contraindication signals from the knowledge graph (drug–disease links in the model's knowledge graph, not taken from product label text): epilepsy, liver disease, gallbladder disease, respiratory failure, atrioventricular block / heart block (including atrioventricular dissociation). These should be verified against the official product information.
Please refer to the package insert for warnings, contraindications and drug interaction information.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Decision: Hold
Rationale: The prediction rests only on a model score, with no trials or publications. The drug is a topical antiseptic with no known systemic antimalarial mechanism, so it is poorly suited to a blood-stage parasite.
To proceed, the following is needed:
- Laboratory evidence of antiplasmodial activity at concentrations that are safe in humans
- Mechanism of action data and a credible systemic delivery route
- Package insert warnings and contraindications, so that safety can be screened
Note on other predictions in the same analysis: Several lower-ranked predictions have more supporting evidence than malaria and may merit separate evaluation.
- Appendicitis (L2): a Phase 2 randomized pilot trial (NCT02664220, 100 children, dilute povidone-iodine irrigation in perforated appendicitis) and supporting studies. The results are encouraging but come from pilot-scale studies. A larger Phase 3 trial is needed.
- Pneumonia (L2): mostly COVID-19 nasal and oral antiseptic trials with viral-load endpoints. The evidence is indirect, and meta-analyses exist for ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention.
- Peritonitis (L3): animal studies and a case report of sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis after intraperitoneal use raise a serious safety concern.
Disclaimer
This content is for research purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical validation is required before any clinical application.