Could a malaria pill tame discoid lupus?

NCT ID NCT07557927

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether dihydroartemisinin, a drug used for malaria, can help treat discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), a chronic skin condition causing red, scaly patches. Researchers will compare two doses of the drug to a standard lupus treatment (hydroxychloroquine) in 100 adults over 24 weeks. The goal is to see if it reduces skin severity and is safe.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

dihydroartemisinin tablets

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a new treatment option for discoid lupus, a chronic skin condition, potentially with fewer side effects than current therapies.

What could go wrong

This is an early Phase 2 trial with only 100 people, so results may not apply to everyone. It's also not a cure—patients would still need ongoing management.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

discoid lupus erythematosus

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • China-Japan Friendship Hospital

    Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China

  • Hangzhou Third People's Hospital

    Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China

  • Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University

    Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

  • Peking University People's Hospital

    Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China

  • Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University

    Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

  • The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University

    Hefei, Anhui, China

  • The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University

    Shenyang, Liaoning, China

  • The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University

    Chongqing, Chongqing Municipality, China

  • The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University

    Kunming, Yunnan, China

  • The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University

    Changsha, Hunan, China