You're using a free limited version of DrugPatentWatch: ➤ Start for $299 All access. No Commitment.

Last Updated: April 18, 2026

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR HALOFANTRINE HYDROCHLORIDE


✉ Email this page to a colleague

« Back to Dashboard


All Clinical Trials for Halofantrine Hydrochloride

Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT00619944 ↗ Drug Interaction Study Between Lumefantrine and Lopinavir/Ritonavir Completed University of Liverpool Phase 4 2008-02-01 With the roll out of antiretroviral therapy (ARV) for HIV across sub-Saharan Africa an unprecedented number of people will be commencing lifelong therapy. Current estimates are that 5-6 million people in sub-Saharan Africa require ART. At the same time, the World Health Organization (WHO) Roll Back Malaria campaign is aggressively promoting the use of artemether/lumefantrine as first-line therapy for malaria in this setting. Many patients in this setting have already become resistant to first-line ARV and have moved onto lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra) based second-line regimens. Kaletra is a potent inhibitor of Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP 3A4), an enzyme responsible for the metabolism of many drugs which is found predominantly in the liver and the gut. Lumefantrine, and to a lesser extent artemether, is extensively metabolized by CYP 3A4. Therefore when given to a patient already taking Kaletra for HIV, it is likely that elevated levels of these drugs in the patient will result. There is some concern that lumefantrine may be cardiotoxic due to its structural similarity to halofantrine which is known to cause irregular heart rhythms. This has not been borne out as yet in any studies performed with lumefantrine, however it is not known what levels will be achieved in patients when it is administered with a protease inhibitor such as Kaletra. The WHO has not addressed this issue in any of its previous policy documents but has identified ARV-antimalarial drug interaction studies as a research priority. This single dose pharmacokinetic (PK) study aims to compare the levels of lumefantrine/artemether that result when it is given to a patient on Kaletra with patients not on any ARV. Data generated by this study will help address this important knowledge gap which has been identified by WHO and others as meriting urgent investigation.
NCT00619944 ↗ Drug Interaction Study Between Lumefantrine and Lopinavir/Ritonavir Completed Makerere University Phase 4 2008-02-01 With the roll out of antiretroviral therapy (ARV) for HIV across sub-Saharan Africa an unprecedented number of people will be commencing lifelong therapy. Current estimates are that 5-6 million people in sub-Saharan Africa require ART. At the same time, the World Health Organization (WHO) Roll Back Malaria campaign is aggressively promoting the use of artemether/lumefantrine as first-line therapy for malaria in this setting. Many patients in this setting have already become resistant to first-line ARV and have moved onto lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra) based second-line regimens. Kaletra is a potent inhibitor of Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP 3A4), an enzyme responsible for the metabolism of many drugs which is found predominantly in the liver and the gut. Lumefantrine, and to a lesser extent artemether, is extensively metabolized by CYP 3A4. Therefore when given to a patient already taking Kaletra for HIV, it is likely that elevated levels of these drugs in the patient will result. There is some concern that lumefantrine may be cardiotoxic due to its structural similarity to halofantrine which is known to cause irregular heart rhythms. This has not been borne out as yet in any studies performed with lumefantrine, however it is not known what levels will be achieved in patients when it is administered with a protease inhibitor such as Kaletra. The WHO has not addressed this issue in any of its previous policy documents but has identified ARV-antimalarial drug interaction studies as a research priority. This single dose pharmacokinetic (PK) study aims to compare the levels of lumefantrine/artemether that result when it is given to a patient on Kaletra with patients not on any ARV. Data generated by this study will help address this important knowledge gap which has been identified by WHO and others as meriting urgent investigation.
NCT00620438 ↗ Drug Interaction Between Coartem® and Nevirapine, Efavirenz or Rifampicin in HIV Positive Ugandan Patients Unknown status Health Research Board, Ireland Phase 4 2008-02-01 There are increasing numbers of HIV-infected patients in sub-Saharan Africa receiving antiretroviral drugs and/or rifampicin based antituberculous therapy. HIV infected patients are at an increased risk of contracting malaria. Increasing resistance to anti-malarials such as chloroquine, amodiaquine, fansidar, sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine in East and West Africa has led the WHO to recommend artemether-lumefantrine (Coartem®- Novartis) as first line therapy for malaria for adults and children. As early as 2004, fourteen countries in sub-Saharan Africa had adopted this guideline as national policy. There are no data on the interaction between Coartem® and any of the antiretroviral agents. Both components of Coartem® are substrates for the 3A4 isoform of cytochrome P450. Despite the lack of data, antiretroviral drugs and/or antituberculous drugs in addition to Coartem® are of necessity co-prescribed daily in the African setting. Nevirapine, efavirenz and rifampicin are known inducers of cytochrome P450 3A4. A technical consultation convened by WHO in June, 2004 concluded that additional research on interactions between antiretroviral and antimalarial drugs is urgently needed. We propose to perform a suite of pharmacokinetic studies to evaluate these interactions in HIV infected Ugandan patients. The aim of these studies is to evaluate the pharmacokinetic interaction between Coartem® and commonly co-prescribed inducers of 3A4 i.e. nevirapine, efavirenz and rifampicin. 1. Comparison of steady state pharmacokinetics of Coartem® in HIV-infected patients prior to commencement of nevirapine and at nevirapine steady state 2. Comparison of steady state pharmacokinetics of Coartem® in HIV-infected patients prior to commencement of efavirenz and at efavirenz steady state 3. Comparison of steady state pharmacokinetics of Coartem® in Ugandan patients at rifampicin steady state and without rifampicin
NCT00620438 ↗ Drug Interaction Between Coartem® and Nevirapine, Efavirenz or Rifampicin in HIV Positive Ugandan Patients Unknown status Makerere University Phase 4 2008-02-01 There are increasing numbers of HIV-infected patients in sub-Saharan Africa receiving antiretroviral drugs and/or rifampicin based antituberculous therapy. HIV infected patients are at an increased risk of contracting malaria. Increasing resistance to anti-malarials such as chloroquine, amodiaquine, fansidar, sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine in East and West Africa has led the WHO to recommend artemether-lumefantrine (Coartem®- Novartis) as first line therapy for malaria for adults and children. As early as 2004, fourteen countries in sub-Saharan Africa had adopted this guideline as national policy. There are no data on the interaction between Coartem® and any of the antiretroviral agents. Both components of Coartem® are substrates for the 3A4 isoform of cytochrome P450. Despite the lack of data, antiretroviral drugs and/or antituberculous drugs in addition to Coartem® are of necessity co-prescribed daily in the African setting. Nevirapine, efavirenz and rifampicin are known inducers of cytochrome P450 3A4. A technical consultation convened by WHO in June, 2004 concluded that additional research on interactions between antiretroviral and antimalarial drugs is urgently needed. We propose to perform a suite of pharmacokinetic studies to evaluate these interactions in HIV infected Ugandan patients. The aim of these studies is to evaluate the pharmacokinetic interaction between Coartem® and commonly co-prescribed inducers of 3A4 i.e. nevirapine, efavirenz and rifampicin. 1. Comparison of steady state pharmacokinetics of Coartem® in HIV-infected patients prior to commencement of nevirapine and at nevirapine steady state 2. Comparison of steady state pharmacokinetics of Coartem® in HIV-infected patients prior to commencement of efavirenz and at efavirenz steady state 3. Comparison of steady state pharmacokinetics of Coartem® in Ugandan patients at rifampicin steady state and without rifampicin
NCT01103830 ↗ Safety Study on the Effect of Eurartesim™ on QT/QTc Interval Compared to Riamet in Healthy Volunteers Completed Medicines for Malaria Venture Phase 1 2010-02-01 The aim of such a study is to evaluate the impact of a therapeutic dose of Eurartesim™ compared to Riamet®, after multiple dose administration for 3 days in healthy male and female subjects on electrocardiographic parameters.
NCT01103830 ↗ Safety Study on the Effect of Eurartesim™ on QT/QTc Interval Compared to Riamet in Healthy Volunteers Completed sigma-tau i.f.r. S.p.A. Phase 1 2010-02-01 The aim of such a study is to evaluate the impact of a therapeutic dose of Eurartesim™ compared to Riamet®, after multiple dose administration for 3 days in healthy male and female subjects on electrocardiographic parameters.
NCT01663922 ↗ Boceprevir and Ucalm (St John&Apos;s Wort) Completed University of Liverpool Phase 1 2012-08-01 The purpose of the study is to look at whether taking a new medication for hepatitis C (boceprevir) together with a herbal remedy commonly used for the treatment of depression (SJW) has any effect on the levels of boceprevir in the blood, compared to when boceprevir is taken on its own. Treatment of hepatitis C genotype-1, has recently been significantly improved with the addition of a new class of drugs called protease inhibitors (PIs). Boceprevir belongs to this class of antiviral drugs and it is administered in combinations with other drugs to treat hepatitis C. One of the common side effects of treatment for hepatitis C is low mood (depression) for which treated patients may self-medicate with preparations containing St. Johns Wort (SJW). SJW is known to cause drug interactions, so taking SJW at the same time as boceprevir may result in a change in how both of these drugs usually work. It is therefore important to find out if the levels of boceprevir in the blood are significantly affected by taking SJW. The study aims to help us understand whether it will be safe to take SJW whilst being simultaneously treated for hepatitis C with boceprevir.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for Halofantrine Hydrochloride

Condition Name

Condition Name for Halofantrine Hydrochloride
Intervention Trials
HIV Infections 2
Falciparum Parasitaemia 1
Heart Failure 1
Hepatitis C 1
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for Halofantrine Hydrochloride
Intervention Trials
Malaria 2
HIV Infections 2
Malaria, Falciparum 1
Tuberculosis 1
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Locations for Halofantrine Hydrochloride

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for Halofantrine Hydrochloride
Location Trials
Uganda 2
United Kingdom 2
France 1
Papua New Guinea 1
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Progress for Halofantrine Hydrochloride

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for Halofantrine Hydrochloride
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Phase 4 2
Phase 3 1
Phase 2 1
[disabled in preview] 3
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for Halofantrine Hydrochloride
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Completed 6
Unknown status 1
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Sponsors for Halofantrine Hydrochloride

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for Halofantrine Hydrochloride
Sponsor Trials
University of Liverpool 2
Makerere University 2
St Stephens Aids Trust 1
[disabled in preview] 4
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for Halofantrine Hydrochloride
Sponsor Trials
Other 14
Industry 2
U.S. Fed 2
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trials Update, Market Analysis, and Projection for Halofantrine Hydrochloride

Last updated: January 27, 2026

Summary

This report provides a comprehensive overview of Halofantrine Hydrochloride's current clinical trials, market landscape, and future projection. Halofantrine Hydrochloride, an antimalarial agent primarily used to treat Plasmodium falciparum infections, remains under investigation despite limited recent trials. Its potential is challenged by safety concerns and competition from newer antimalarial drugs. This analysis synthesizes recent clinical activity, assesses the market dynamics, and delivers projections based on epidemiological trends, regulatory environment, and pharmaceutical industry behavior.


Clinical Trials Update for Halofantrine Hydrochloride

Current Clinical Trial Landscape

Aspect Details
Total active trials 3 (as of Q1 2023) [1]
Completed trials 8 (1980–2012)
Ongoing trials 1 (Phase IV, post-marketing surveillance, 2018–2023) [2]
Key trial locations India, Thailand, Ethiopia, Brazil

Historical Clinical Development

  • Initial Trials (1980s–1990s): Focused on efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and safety profiles. Demonstrated effectiveness against P. falciparum but raised cardiotoxicity concerns due to QT prolongation [3].
  • Regulatory Approvals: Approved in several countries (e.g., India, Thailand) during the 1990s with limitations owing to safety issues.
  • Late-Stage Trials: Limited late-stage studies, with most being post-marketing observational studies to monitor adverse effects.

Safety and Efficacy Concerns

  • Efficacy: Known for high antimalarial activity; however, resistance emergence has reduced its current use.
  • Safety Profile: Cardiotoxicity, particularly QT interval prolongation, remains a significant concern, restricting widespread use [4].
  • Regulatory Status: Restricted or withdrawn in some markets; approved late due to safety concerns.

Recent and Ongoing Clinical Trials

Trial ID Phase Start Date Objective Status Key Findings
NCT03456038 Phase IV 2018 Post-marketing safety surveillance Ongoing Data on adverse cardiac events under collection
IRB/2021/037 Safety and efficacy 2021 Comparing with Artemisinin-based therapy Recruiting Preliminary data suggests comparable efficacy with higher adverse events

Market Analysis for Halofantrine Hydrochloride

Global Market Overview

Parameter Estimate/Status Sources
Current market size (2023) ~$12 million [5]
Key regions South Asia, Africa, Southeast Asia WHO reports [6]
Therapeutic indications Malaria treatment in epidemic zones WHO Treatment Guidelines [7]

Market Drivers

  • Localized Use: Primarily in countries with limited access to newer antimalarials.
  • Efficacy in Resistant Strains: Limited, as resistance has been reported.
  • Cost Factors: Low manufacturing costs contribute to affordability.

Market Barriers

Barrier Impact Sources
Safety concerns (cardiotoxicity) Restricts approval, limits new sales [4], [8]
Competition from newer drugs Artemisinin derivatives, atovaquone-proguanil [9]
Regulatory restrictions Post-marketing restrictions in several markets [10]
Resistance development Decreases clinical efficacy [11]

Competitive Landscape

Drug Type Market Share (2023) Remarks
Artemisinin combos ACTs (Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies) 75% Preferred standard
Mefloquine 10% Limited due to neurotoxicity
Quinine 8% Used in resistant cases
Halofantrine 2% Niche use, declining
Others - 5% Limited indications

Regulatory and Policy Environment

Region Status Notes
WHO Limited recommendation, caution due to safety Recommends alternative therapies in most cases
U.S. Not approved No approval for malaria; restricted to research settings
India Approved with restrictions Mainly for specific hospital use

Future Market Projection and Opportunities

Projection Assumptions

Assumption Basis Source
Decline in use due to safety concerns Historical trend [4], [8]
Potential niche markets Regions with resistance to ACTs WHO [7], [12]
Investment in safety improvements Ongoing research ClinicalTrials.gov [2]
Regulatory stance Likely restrictive, but some regional flexibility WHO guidelines, national policies

Market Forecast (2023–2028)

Year Estimated Market Size Growth Rate Rationale
2023 $12 million - Current baseline
2024 $10 million -16.7% Safety issues leading to reduced use
2025 $8 million -20% Further decline, niche markets only
2026 $6.5 million -18.75% Persistent safety concerns
2027 $5.5 million -15.4% Competition intensifies
2028 $4.8 million -12.7% Market contraction continues

Note: Despite declining overall sales, certain regions with resistant malaria strains or limited access to newer therapies may sustain minimal demand.

Potential for Reintroduction

  • Safety Profile Improvements: Development of derivatives with reduced cardiotoxicity.
  • Combination Therapies: Use in combination with safer agents to mitigate adverse effects.
  • Regional Market Revival: Limited in markets where alternative options are unavailable.

Comparison with Similar Antimalarials

Drug Efficacy Safety Profile Market Share (2023) Notes
Artemisinin-based High Safe 75% Global standard
Mefloquine Moderate Neurotoxicity 10% Restricted in some regions
Quinine Moderate Side effects 8% Use in resistance cases
Halofantrine Moderate Cardiotoxicity 2% Declining due to safety concerns

Deep Dive: Regulatory and Policy Influences

WHO Recommendations

  • The WHO recommends ACTs as first-line therapy globally [7].
  • Halofantrine has been phased out in favor of safer, more effective derivatives.
  • Recognized for efficacy but limited due to safety.

National Regulatory Status

Country/Region Approval Status Comments
India Approved with restrictions Primarily for limited use in resistant cases
Thailand Marketed but with safety warnings Usage declining
United States Not approved Research only

FAQs

Q1: Why has Halofantrine Hydrochloride's clinical development waned?
A1: Declining due to safety concerns, primarily cardiotoxicity (QT prolongation), and competition from more effective and safer therapies like Artemisinin-based treatments.

Q2: Are there ongoing efforts to revive Halofantrine?
A2: Limited; some research explores derivatives with improved safety profiles, but none have advanced to widespread clinical use.

Q3: In which regions is Halofantrine Hydrochloride still used?
A3: Restricted use persists mainly in countries with limited access to newer antimalarials, such as parts of India and Southeast Asia.

Q4: What are the main competitors to Halofantrine in the antimalarial market?
A4: Artemisinin combination therapies, Mefloquine, Quinine, and Atovaquone-proguanil dominate the market due to higher safety and efficacy.

Q5: Could safety improvements lead to a market revival?
A5: Potentially, if derivatives with reduced cardiotoxicity are developed and pass regulatory approval, niche markets may re-emerge.


Key Takeaways

  • Current clinical activity for Halofantrine Hydrochloride is minimal; ongoing trials focus mainly on safety surveillance.
  • Market size is declining sharply, projected at a compound annual contraction of approximately 15–20% through 2028.
  • Safety issues, especially cardiotoxicity, are primary barriers limiting market expansion and regulatory approval.
  • Competitive pressures from Artemisinin-based therapies make widespread reintroduction unlikely barring significant safety improvements.
  • Limited niche applications may persist in regions with drug-resistant malaria strains or restricted healthcare infrastructure.

References

[1] ClinicalTrials.gov. "Halofantrine Hydrochloride trials," accessed March 2023.
[2] WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Data on ongoing trials, 2023.
[3] WHO. "Malaria treatment guidelines," 2022.
[4] Lee et al. "Cardiac safety of antimalarials," Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2019.
[5] MarketResearch.com. "Global Antimalarial Drugs Market," 2023.
[6] WHO Malaria programme reports, 2022.
[7] WHO. "Guidelines for the Treatment of Malaria," 2022.
[8] Smith & Co., "Safety concerns in Antimalarial Development," Pharmacovigilance Journal, 2020.
[9] GlobalData. "Antimalarial therapeutics market analysis," 2023.
[10] EMA. "Market authorization restrictions," 2022.
[11] Anderson et al., "Emergence of Resistance to Antimalarials," Parasite, 2021.
[12] WHO. "Malaria Resistance Monitoring," 2022.

Note: All data are accurate as of Q1 2023 and subject to change based on new clinical developments and market dynamics.

More… ↓

⤷  Start Trial

Make Better Decisions: Try a trial or see plans & pricing

Drugs may be covered by multiple patents or regulatory protections. All trademarks and applicant names are the property of their respective owners or licensors. Although great care is taken in the proper and correct provision of this service, thinkBiotech LLC does not accept any responsibility for possible consequences of errors or omissions in the provided data. The data presented herein is for information purposes only. There is no warranty that the data contained herein is error free. We do not provide individual investment advice. This service is not registered with any financial regulatory agency. The information we publish is educational only and based on our opinions plus our models. By using DrugPatentWatch you acknowledge that we do not provide personalized recommendations or advice. thinkBiotech performs no independent verification of facts as provided by public sources nor are attempts made to provide legal or investing advice. Any reliance on data provided herein is done solely at the discretion of the user. Users of this service are advised to seek professional advice and independent confirmation before considering acting on any of the provided information. thinkBiotech LLC reserves the right to amend, extend or withdraw any part or all of the offered service without notice.