Fluid Pharma’s Artesunate/Amodiaquine (ASAQ) coated micro-pellet combination therapy for paediatric malaria has been included in the World Health Organization (WHO) draft Paediatric Drug Optimisation (PADO) priority list.

ASAQ is an artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) widely used across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)—particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa—and forms a key component of the WHO’s multiple first-line therapy (MFT) strategy to mitigate the risk of ACT resistance. Fluid Pharma’s MicroCoat®-enabled, taste-masked ASAQ micro-pellet formulation represents the first age-appropriate version of this therapy under development, supported by funding from Unitaid.

The PADO prioritisation process, led by the Global Accelerator for Paediatric Formulations Network (GAP-f), identifies and prioritises medicines and formulations requiring further research and development to support the implementation and future revision of WHO treatment guidelines. The process also establishes a clear research agenda to accelerate optimisation of medicines for children.

In June 2025, WHO convened the first-ever PADO process for malaria, during which Fluid Pharma’s ASAQ coated micro-pellets were listed as a PADO development priority. The WHO noted:

“The listing of ASAQ in the PADO priority list signals that the development of an age-appropriate formulation of this ACT is a priority, with higher urgency compared to other formulations.”

The draft PADO list for malaria is currently open for public consultation until 5 September 2025, after which the final version will be published.

For more information on the PADO malaria priorities, please visit:

https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/call-for-public-consultation–paediatric-drug-optimization-for-malaria