Combined Fourier-transform infrared imaging and desorption electrospray-ionization linear ion-trap mass spectrometry for analysis of counterfeit antimalarial tablets. by Ricci, C, Nyadong, L, Fernandez, F, Newton, P, Kazarian, S

“…This paper reports use of a combination of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic imaging and desorption electrospray ionization linear ion-trap mass spectrometry (DESI MS) for characterization of counterfeit pharmaceutical tablets. The counterfeit artesunate antimalarial tablets were analyzed by both techniques. …”

Reactive desorption electrospray ionization linear ion trap mass spectrometry of latest-generation counterfeit antimalarials via noncovalent complex formation. by Nyadong, L, Green, MD, De Jesus, V, Newton, P, Fernández, F

“…Not only did we find that these samples were counterfeits, but we also detected the presence of several wrong active ingredients. …”

Assessment of hand-held Raman instrumentation for in situ screening for potentially counterfeit artesunate antimalarial tablets by FT-Raman spectroscopy and direct ionization mass spectrometry. by Ricci, C, Nyadong, L, Yang, F, Fernandez, F, Brown, C, Newton, P, Kazarian, S

“…Pharmaceutical counterfeiting has become a significant public health problem worldwide and new, rapid, user-friendly, reliable and inexpensive methods for drug quality screening are needed. …”

Poor quality vital anti-malarials in Africa - an urgent neglected public health priority. by Newton, P, Green, MD, Mildenhall, D, Plançon, A, Nettey, H, Nyadong, L, Hostetler, D, Swamidoss, I, Harris, G, Powell, K, Timmermans, A, Amin, A, Opuni, S, Barbereau, S, Faurant, C, Soong, R, Faure, K, Thevanayagam, J, Fernandes, P, Kaur, H, Angus, B, Stepniewska, K, Guerin, P, Fernández, F

“…Packaging, chemical composition (high performance liquid chromatography, direct ionization mass spectrometry, X-ray diffractometry, stable isotope analysis) and botanical investigations were performed. RESULTS: Counterfeit artesunate containing chloroquine, counterfeit dihydroartemisinin (DHA) containing paracetamol (acetaminophen), counterfeit DHA-piperaquine containing sildenafil, counterfeit artemether-lumefantrine containing pyrimethamine, counterfeit halofantrine containing artemisinin, and substandard/counterfeit or degraded artesunate and artesunate+amodiaquine in eight countries are described. …”

A collaborative epidemiological investigation into the criminal fake artesunate trade in South East Asia. by Newton, P, Fernández, F, Plançon, A, Mildenhall, D, Green, MD, Ziyong, L, Christophel, E, Phanouvong, S, Howells, S, McIntosh, E, Laurin, P, Blum, N, Hampton, C, Faure, K, Nyadong, L, Soong, C, Santoso, B, Zhiguang, W, Newton, J, Palmer, K

“…A total of 391 samples of genuine and counterfeit artesunate collected in Vietnam (75), Cambodia (48), Lao PDR (115), Myanmar (Burma) (137) and the Thai/Myanmar border (16), were available for analysis. …”

A collaborative epidemiological investigation into the criminal fake artesunate trade in South East Asia by Newton, P, Fernández, F, Plançon, A, Mildenhal, D, Green, MD, Ziyong, L, Christophel, E, Phanouvong, S, Howells, S, McIntosh, E, Laurin, P, Blum, N, Hampton, C, Faure, K, Nyadong, L, Soong, C, Santoso, B, Zhiguang, W, Newton, J, Palmer, K

“…A total of 391 samples of genuine and counterfeit artesunate collected in Vietnam (75), Cambodia (48), Lao PDR (115), Myanmar (Burma) (137) and the Thai/Myanmar border (16), were available for analysis. …”

A stratified random survey of the proportion of poor quality oral artesunate sold at medicine outlets in the Lao PDR - implications for therapeutic failure and drug resistance. by Sengaloundeth, S, Green, MD, Fernández, F, Manolin, O, Phommavong, K, Insixiengmay, V, Hampton, C, Nyadong, L, Mildenhall, D, Hostetler, D, Khounsaknalath, L, Vongsack, L, Phompida, S, Vanisaveth, V, Syhakhang, L, Newton, P

“… BACKGROUND: Counterfeit oral artesunate has been a major public health problem in mainland SE Asia, impeding malaria control. …”