Artemether
| Evidence Level: L5 | Predicted Indications: 8 |
Table of Contents
- Artemether
- Pharmacist Assessment Report
- Artemether: Artemisinin-class antimalarial → acquired angioedema
- One-Sentence Summary
- Quick Overview
- Why is This Prediction Reasonable?
- Clinical Trial Evidence
- Literature Evidence
- Australia Market Information
- Cytotoxicity
- Safety Considerations
- Conclusion and Next Steps
- Disclaimer
Artemether: Artemisinin-class antimalarial → acquired angioedema
One-Sentence Summary
Artemether is an artemisinin-class antimalarial. The TxGNN model predicts it may be relevant to acquired angioedema, but the data compiled for this report contain 0 clinical trials and 0 publications supporting this prediction, so it is a computational prediction only.
Quick Overview
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Original Indication | Not recorded in the local data |
| Predicted New Indication | acquired angioedema |
| TxGNN Prediction Score | 0.9990 |
| Evidence Level | L5 |
| Australia Market Status | Listed on the PBS Schedule (1 of 1 items) – TGA (ARTG) registration status is not included in this data |
| Number of PBS Items | 1 (valid: 1) |
| Recommended Decision | Hold |
Why is This Prediction Reasonable?
Currently, detailed mechanism of action data is not available. Artemether belongs to the artemisinin class, whose activity is generally linked to activation of an endoperoxide bridge by haem or iron.
Acquired angioedema is mainly driven by bradykinin or mast-cell pathways. No established mechanistic link between artemether and these pathways is documented. Some indirect speculation exists about anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory effects of artemisinins, but this has not been tested for angioedema. The high score reflects a computational prediction and cannot be cross-checked against the original mechanism of action, which is unavailable.
Clinical Trial Evidence
Currently no related clinical trials registered.
Literature Evidence
Currently no related literature available.
Australia Market Information
| ARTG Number | Product Name | Dosage Form | Approved Indication |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARTG 9498X | Riamet | Tablet 20 mg-120 mg | Not recorded in the local data |
Cytotoxicity
Artemether is an antimalarial, not an antineoplastic agent, so this section does not apply.
Safety Considerations
- Contraindication-related conditions flagged in the data compiled for this report: long QT syndrome, familial long QT syndrome, torsades de pointes and potassium deficiency disease. These are not taken from label text and should be verified against the Product Information (PI).
- Drug Interactions: 95 interactions were recorded. Major-level examples include clarithromycin, cobicistat, amprenavir, apalutamide, atazanavir and boceprevir. Moderate-level examples include dexamethasone, miconazole, troglitazone, deferasirox, bexarotene and bosentan.
Please also refer to the TGA-approved Product Information (PI) for full warnings and contraindications.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Decision: Hold
Rationale: The prediction has no supporting clinical trials or publications and no plausible mechanistic link to bradykinin- or mast-cell-driven angioedema. Evidence is at L5 (model prediction only). The cardiac (QT) and interaction profile adds further caution.
To proceed, the following is needed:
- Mechanism of action data for artemether
- Preclinical or mechanistic studies linking artemether to angioedema pathways
- Any clinical or observational evidence directly studying angioedema
- Review of TGA Product Information warnings and contraindications, particularly QT-related risks
Disclaimer
This content is for research purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical validation is required before any clinical application.