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.

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.

Plasmodium falciparum malaria

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Centre National de Formation et de Recherche en Santé Rurale de Mafèrinyah

    Conakry, B.P. 2649, Guinea

  • Centre for Malaria and Other Tropical Diseases (CEMTROD)

    Ilorin, Kwara State, 1459, Nigeria

  • College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda

    Kigali, Rwanda

  • Epicentre Niger

    Niamey, BP: 13 330, Niger

  • Institut des Sciences et Techniques (INSTech)

    Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

  • Kinshasa School of Public Health

    Kinshasa, BP 11850 Kin, Democratic Republic of the Congo

  • MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM

    Fajara, City of Banjul, 273, The Gambia

  • National Institute For Medical Research (NIMR), Tanga Medical Research Centre

    Tanga, Tanzania