Artemether

Artemisinin (ART) is a natural compound present in Artemisia annua, a traditional Chinese plant.

Artemether has been used:

• as an anti-schistosomal compound to test it effect on the larval stages of S. mansoni
• to sensitize mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and human osteosarcoma HT1080 cells to cysteine starvation (STV)-induced ferroptosis
• to stimulate islets and its effect on α to β transdifferentiation

Artemether is a methyl ether derivative of artemisinin. It is used against multi-drug resistant strains of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, and shows potential in treatment of schistosomiasis.

Artemether is an anti-antimalarial compound.

Artemisinin possesses a highly reactive endoperoxide bridge, which is core for its therapeutic potential. The endoperoxide bond reacts with iron in the erythrocytes with malarial parasite. This leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) directly targeting the parasite. Artemisinin also regulates ferroptosis in tumor cells. The α cell transcription factor Arx expression is reduced by artemether. Prolonged exposure of primary islets also resulted in loss if identity in endocrine cell types and their functionality.

This compound was developed by Novartis. To browse the list of other pharma-developed compounds and Approved Drugs/Drug Candidates, click here.