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Product Name: HalofantrineCommercial Name: Halfan Application: Anti-malarial drug for treatment only Date of Licensure: [month] 1992 . The drug is currently not licensed in the U.S. Type of Product: : an aminoalcohol, member of the 9- phenanthrenemethanol class (not related to quinine) Company of manufacture: : SmithKline (now GlaxoSmithKline) Reasons for development:: Halofantrine was first identified as a potential antimalarial agent during World War II. Further studies were done at WRAIR in the 1960's because of demonstrated activity of the drug against chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum. Commercial development began in the 1980's. Role of DoD: : Halofantrine was invented and developed at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline and the World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Training and Research in Tropical Diseases (WHO/TDR). The drug is used for treatment of falciparum malaria outside the U.S., but development as a prophylactic drug was stopped over concerns about a short half-life (1-2 days) and adverse effects. The drug has been associated with neuropsychiatric disturbances and cardiotoxicity. It is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women. (the drug is embryotoxic and excreted in breast milk). Absorption is slow but enhanced by food. The drug is poorly soluble in water, and there is no injectable form of the drug. |
| Chloroquine | Primaquine | Sulfadoxine | Mefloquine | Doxycycline | Halofantrine | Atovaquone |
