Tests conducted by GSK and partner Medicines for Malaria Venture reveal both drugs lowered hemoglobin concentration in patients with hereditary enzyme deficiency disorders, which affects 10 to 25 percent of the sub-Saharan population in Africa.
Dacart is a mix of Lapdap with a form of artemisinin, a natural substance extracted from a Chinese plant. In a clinical trial, some patients taking Dacart experienced a bigger drop in hemoglobin levels in their blood.
The World Health said malaria comes from mosquitoes and kills more than one million people annually, mostly in the developing world.
Glaxo called the news "disappointing" but said it was "committed to working with partners such as MMV to seek solutions for patients suffering from this devastating disease."
