Malaria Drugs in Nigeria: Comprehensive List

Malaria Drugs in Nigeria: Comprehensive List

Malaria Drugs in Nigeria: Comprehensive List and Opportunities for Distributors in 2025

Nigeria bears the highest malaria burden globally, accounting for approximately 27% of the world’s malaria cases, with an estimated 68 million cases and 194,000 deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The high prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum, the most dangerous malaria parasite, coupled with widespread drug resistance to older treatments like chloroquine, has driven the adoption of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) as the first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria. This article provides a detailed list of malaria drugs available in Nigeria, their manufacturers, uses, and opportunities for distributors, based on information available as of July 2025. It also outlines requirements for distributors seeking to partner with pharmaceutical companies producing these drugs.

Overview of Malaria Drugs in Nigeria

Malaria drugs in Nigeria are primarily used for treatment and prevention, with ACTs recommended by WHO and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health as the standard for treating uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Severe malaria cases often require injectable treatments like artesunate. The market for antimalarial drugs is robust due to year-round transmission, particularly in northern and northeastern Nigeria. Distributors play a critical role in ensuring these drugs reach pharmacies, hospitals, and rural health centers.

Below is a comprehensive list of commonly used malaria drugs in Nigeria, their manufacturers, and their applications, followed by distributor opportunities.

1. Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs)

ACTs combine artemisinin derivatives with partner drugs to enhance efficacy and reduce the risk of resistance. They are the first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in Nigeria.

Camosunate

  • Manufacturer: Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (Nigeria)
  • Composition: Artesunate and Amodiaquine
  • Uses: Treats uncomplicated malaria, including multi-drug resistant Plasmodium falciparum. Available in adult and pediatric formulations.
  • Dosage:
    • Adults: 4 tablets (200 mg artesunate + 600 mg amodiaquine) daily for 3 days.
    • Children: Dosage based on body weight, typically 25–50 mg/kg artesunate + 7.5–15 mg/kg amodiaquine daily for 3 days.
  • Price Range: ₦2,000–₦3,000 per sachet (3-day course).
  • Availability: Widely available in pharmacies and hospitals.

Lonart DS

  • Manufacturer: Bliss GVS Pharma Ltd. (India), marketed by Greenlife Pharmaceuticals (Nigeria)
  • Composition: Artemether (80 mg) and Lumefantrine (480 mg)
  • Uses: Treats uncomplicated malaria, including multi-drug resistant Plasmodium falciparum. Suitable for adults and children over 35 kg.
  • Dosage:
    • Adults: 4 tablets twice daily for 3 days (total 24 tablets).
    • Children: Dosage adjusted by weight, as prescribed.
  • Price Range: ₦2,500–₦3,500 per pack.
  • Availability: Common in urban pharmacies and rural health centers.

Coartem

  • Manufacturer: Novartis (Switzerland)
  • Composition: Artemether (20 mg) and Lumefantrine (120 mg)
  • Uses: Treats uncomplicated malaria in adults and children weighing at least 5 kg. Effective against Plasmodium falciparum.
  • Dosage:
    • Adults: 4 tablets twice daily for 3 days.
    • Children: Dosage based on weight (e.g., 1–4 tablets per dose for 5–35 kg).
  • Price Range: ₦2,000–₦2,500 per pack.
  • Availability: Widely distributed in hospitals and pharmacies.

P-Alaxin

  • Manufacturer: Bliss GVS Pharma Ltd. (India), marketed by Greenlife Pharmaceuticals (Nigeria)
  • Composition: Dihydroartemisinin (40 mg) and Piperaquine (320 mg)
  • Uses: Treats uncomplicated malaria, including resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum.
  • Dosage:
    • Adults: 3 tablets daily for 3 days.
    • Children: Dosage adjusted by weight.
  • Price Range: ₦2,000–₦3,000 per pack.
  • Availability: Available in major pharmacies and retail outlets.

Amatem Softgel

  • Manufacturer: Olive Healthcare (India), marketed by Elbe Pharma Nigeria Limited
  • Composition: Artemether (80 mg) and Lumefantrine (480 mg)
  • Uses: Treats Plasmodium falciparum malaria resistant to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine combinations.
  • Dosage:
    • Adults: 4 capsules twice daily for 3 days.
    • Children: Dosage based on weight.
  • Price Range: ₦2,500–₦3,500 per pack.
  • Availability: Common in urban pharmacies.

Artequick

  • Manufacturer: Artepharm Co. Ltd. (China)
  • Composition: Artemisinin (62.5 mg) and Piperaquine (375 법
  • Uses: Treats uncomplicated malaria, particularly Plasmodium falciparum.
  • Dosage:
    • Adults: 2 tablets daily for 2 days.
    • Children: Dosage adjusted by weight.
  • Price Range: ₦2,000–₦3,000 per pack.
  • Availability: Available in select pharmacies.

Artequin

  • Manufacturer: Acino (Switzerland)
  • Composition: Artesunate (200 mg) and Mefloquine (250 mg)
  • Uses: Treats malaria resistant to other antimalarial drugs, particularly Plasmodium falciparum.
  • Dosage:
    • Adults: 3-day course, dosage as prescribed.
    • Children: Weight-based dosing.
  • Price Range: ₦3,000–₦4,000 per pack.
  • Availability: Less common but available in major hospitals and pharmacies.

2. Injectable Antimalarials for Severe Malaria

Severe malaria, often caused by Plasmodium falciparum, requires parenteral treatment, with injectable artesunate as the WHO-recommended first-line therapy.

E Mal Injection

  • Manufacturer: Fidson Healthcare Plc (Nigeria)
  • Composition: Artesunate (60 mg/vial)
  • Uses: Treats severe or complicated malaria in adults and children, administered intravenously or intramuscularly.
  • Dosage:
    • Adults and children: 2.4 mg/kg at 0, 12, and 24 hours, then daily until oral therapy is possible.
  • Price Range: ₦1,500–₦2,500 per vial (multiple vials may be required).
  • Availability: Available in hospitals and specialized pharmacies.

Artemether Injection

  • Manufacturer: Various (e.g., Fidson Healthcare, Swiss Pharma Nigeria)
  • Composition: Artemether (80 mg/mL)
  • Uses: Treats severe malaria when oral administration is not feasible.
  • Dosage:
    • Adults: 3.2 mg/kg loading dose, followed by 1.6 mg/kg daily for 5–7 days.
    • Children: Weight-based dosing.
  • Price Range: ₦1,000–₦2,000 per vial.
  • Availability: Common in hospitals.

3. Prophylactic Antimalarials

Prophylactic drugs are used to prevent malaria, particularly for travelers or high-risk groups like pregnant women and children in endemic areas.

Paludrine

  • Manufacturer: Alliance Pharmaceuticals (UK)
  • Composition: Proguanil (100 mg)
  • Uses: Prevents malaria, often used in combination with chloroquine in areas with low resistance.
  • Dosage:
    • Adults: 200 mg daily, starting 1–2 days before travel and continuing 4 weeks after leaving.
    • Children: Weight-based dosing.
  • Price Range: ₦2,000–₦2,500 per pack.
  • Availability: Available in pharmacies.

Malanil

  • Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline (GSK, UK)
  • Composition: Atovaquone (250 mg) and Proguanil (100 mg)
  • Uses: Prevents and treats uncomplicated malaria, including chloroquine-resistant strains.
  • Dosage:
    • Adults: 1 tablet daily, starting 1–2 days before travel and continuing 7 days after leaving.
    • Children: Weight-based dosing.
  • Price Range: ₦5,000–₦7,000 per pack (more expensive due to import costs).
  • Availability: Available in major pharmacies.

4. Other Antimalarials

While less common due to resistance, some older drugs are still used in specific cases or for non-Plasmodium falciparum malaria.

Chloroquine

  • Manufacturer: Various (e.g., May & Baker Nigeria, Emzor Pharmaceuticals)
  • Composition: Chloroquine phosphate (250 mg)
  • Uses: Rarely used due to widespread Plasmodium falciparum resistance in Nigeria. May be used for Plasmodium vivax or Plasmodium ovale malaria.
  • Dosage:
    • Adults: 600 mg base initially, followed by 300 mg after 6 hours, then 300 mg daily for 2 days.
    • Children: Weight-based dosing.
  • Price Range: ₦500–₦1,000 per pack.
  • Availability: Limited use, available in select pharmacies.

Quinine

  • Manufacturer: Various (e.g., Fidson Healthcare, Swiss Pharma Nigeria)
  • Composition: Quinine sulfate (300 mg) or quinine injection
  • Uses: Treats severe malaria or resistant Plasmodium falciparum in combination with doxycycline, tetracycline, or clindamycin.
  • Dosage:
    • Adults: 600 mg every 8 hours for 7 days (oral) or 20 mg/kg loading dose IV, followed by 10 mg/kg every 8 hours.
    • Children: Weight-based dosing.
  • Price Range: ₦1,000–₦2,000 per pack or vial.
  • Availability: Available in hospitals and pharmacies.

Opportunities for Distributors

The high malaria burden in Nigeria creates significant demand for antimalarial drugs, particularly ACTs, making distribution a lucrative opportunity. Below are key companies producing malaria drugs in Nigeria and their distributor requirements.

Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited

  • Products: Camosunate, chloroquine, quinine.
  • Distributor Requirements:
    • Capital investment: ₦5–20 million for stock, warehousing, and logistics.
    • Registered business with CAC and NAFDAC compliance.
    • Temperature-controlled warehousing to maintain drug efficacy.
    • Delivery vehicles and a network of pharmacies/hospitals.
  • How to Apply: Contact Emzor at 10 Kolawole Shonibare Street, Ajao Estate, Isolo, Lagos, or email customerservice@emzorpharma.com. Visit www.emzorpharma.com.
  • Benefits: Profit margins of 8–12%, WHO-compliant manufacturing, and marketing support.

Fidson Healthcare Plc

  • Products: E Mal Injection, artemether injection, quinine.
  • Distributor Requirements:
    • Capital investment: ₦10–30 million.
    • CAC registration, NAFDAC compliance, and temperature-controlled warehousing.
    • Delivery vehicles and healthcare provider connections.
  • How to Apply: Contact Fidson at 268 Ikorodu Road, Obanikoro, Shomolu, Lagos, or email customercare@fidson.com. Visit www.fidson.com.
  • Benefits: Profit margins of 7–12%, WHO-compliant facilities, and medical representative support.

Swiss Pharma Nigeria Limited (Swipha)

  • Products: Artemether injection, quinine.
  • Distributor Requirements:
    • Capital investment: ₦5–20 million.
    • CAC registration, NAFDAC compliance, and GMP-compliant warehousing.
    • Delivery vehicles and retail/pharmacy network.
  • How to Apply: Contact Swipha at 47-57 Martins Street, Great Nigeria House, Lagos, or call +234-1-4526359. Visit www.swiphanigeria.com.
  • Benefits: Profit margins of 8–12%, WHO prequalification, and marketing support.

Greenlife Pharmaceuticals (Importer/Marketer)

  • Products: Lonart DS, P-Alaxin.
  • Distributor Requirements:
    • Capital investment: ₦10–25 million.
    • CAC registration, NAFDAC compliance, and warehousing facilities.
    • Delivery vehicles and retail connections.
  • How to Apply: Contact Greenlife at their Lagos office or email info@greenlifepharma.com. Visit their website for inquiries.
  • Benefits: Profit margins of 7–12%, strong market presence, and reliable supply chain.

Elbe Pharma Nigeria Limited (Importer/Marketer)

  • Products: Amatem Softgel.
  • Distributor Requirements:
    • Capital investment: ₦5–15 million.
    • CAC registration, NAFDAC compliance, and hygienic warehousing.
    • Delivery vehicles and pharmacy network.
  • How to Apply: Contact Elbe Pharma in Lagos or email info@elbepharma.com.
  • Benefits: Profit margins of 6–10%, growing demand for softgel formulations.

Key Considerations for Distributors

  • Regulatory Compliance: Distributors must comply with NAFDAC regulations for storage and handling to ensure drug quality and safety.
  • Capital Investment: The pharmaceutical sector requires ₦5–30 million for stock, temperature-controlled warehousing, and logistics.
  • Market Dynamics: Nigeria’s high malaria burden (68 million cases annually) ensures consistent demand, particularly for ACTs. However, counterfeit drugs and resistance to older treatments (e.g., chloroquine) necessitate partnerships with reputable manufacturers.
  • Logistics: Delivery vehicles and warehousing with temperature control are essential for maintaining drug efficacy, especially for injectables.
  • Public Health Impact: Distributors contribute to reducing malaria mortality, particularly among children under 5, who account for over 75% of global malaria deaths.
  • Networking: Engage with industry events like Pharma West Africa or NAFDAC for partnerships and regulatory guidance.

Challenges and Recommendations

  • Drug Resistance: Widespread resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine has made ACTs critical. Distributors should prioritize WHO-recommended ACTs to combat resistance.
  • Counterfeit Drugs: Substandard or counterfeit antimalarials are prevalent in Nigeria, necessitating partnerships with NAFDAC-compliant manufacturers.
  • Cost of Treatment: The average cost of treating uncomplicated malaria is ₦2,000, while complicated cases cost ₦20,000, totaling ₦1.36 trillion annually. Distributors can focus on affordable ACTs to improve access.
  • Education: Distributors should support community education on proper drug use to prevent incomplete adherence, which contributes to resistance.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s malaria drug market is driven by the need for effective ACTs like Camosunate, Lonart DS, Coartem, P-Alaxin, Amatem Softgel, Artequick, and Artequin, alongside injectables like E Mal and artemether for severe cases. Prophylactic drugs like Paludrine and Malanil are also critical for prevention. Leading manufacturers and marketers, including Emzor, Fidson, Swipha, Greenlife, and Elbe Pharma, offer significant opportunities for distributors to supply these drugs to pharmacies, hospitals, and rural health centers. By meeting capital, regulatory, and logistical requirements, distributors can tap into a high-demand market while contributing to Nigeria’s fight against malaria, a public health crisis costing billions annually. For specific application processes, contact the listed companies via their websites or regional offices.

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