NEJM article calls for action on counterfeit antimalarials

Large-scale collaboration on measures such as monitoring of drug quality, regulating drug supplies and awareness-raising are critical if the problem of counterfeit drugs encouraging resistance to the malaria parasite is to be addressed, according to a review published in the New England Journal of Medicine (September 22 edition).   

Widespread marketing and use of counterfeit or falsified antimalarial drugs, often containing traces of artemisinins, are exerting selective drug pressure that could lead to resistance, note the authors, who also call for research on improved detection methods.