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Antimalarial drugs are medications used to treat and prevent malaria, a disease caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites. Historically, quinine from cinchona bark was the primary treatment. Modern antimalarials include chloroquine, primaquine, and artemisinin derivatives.1

These drugs work by destroying the malaria parasites within red blood cells. However, parasite resistance to drugs like chloroquine has emerged, complicating treatment. Research continues to identify new targets for drug development, such as adherence proteins that help parasites evade the immune system. In 2025, a new malaria drug for infants, Coartem Baby, was approved.1

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