Triple threat: new malaria cocktail aims to outsmart resistance
NCT ID NCT03923725
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This large Phase 3 trial tested whether combining three antimalarial drugs works better than the standard two-drug treatments for uncomplicated malaria in African children. Over 2,500 children aged 6 months to 12 years received either a triple or standard therapy. The goal was to see if the triple combinations are at least as good at clearing the parasite and preventing its return within 42 days.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- artemether-lumefantrine plus amodiaquine (AL+AQ) and artesunate-mefloquine plus piperaquine (ASMQ+PPQ)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, these triple-drug combinations could offer a more effective treatment for malaria, potentially reducing the risk of drug resistance.
- What could go wrong
- This is a completed Phase 3 trial, but results may not show a clear benefit over standard treatments. Adding more drugs could also increase side effects.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Centre National de Formation et de Recherche en Santé Rurale de Mafèrinyah
Conakry, B.P. 2649, Guinea
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Centre for Malaria and Other Tropical Diseases (CEMTROD)
Ilorin, Kwara State, 1459, Nigeria
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College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda
Kigali, Rwanda
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Epicentre Niger
Niamey, BP: 13 330, Niger
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Institut des Sciences et Techniques (INSTech)
Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
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Kinshasa School of Public Health
Kinshasa, BP 11850 Kin, Democratic Republic of the Congo
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MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM
Fajara, City of Banjul, 273, The Gambia
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National Institute For Medical Research (NIMR), Tanga Medical Research Centre
Tanga, Tanzania