Rectal Artesunate suppositories are a useful option for pre-referral treatment of severe malaria, specifically in children under 6 years of age in remote malaria-endemic areas. The main challenges are to improve the solubility of drugs in the rectal fluids and prevent the product from turning rancid or melting in a tropical climate. In this short proof-of-concept study, three types of rectal suppositories of Artesunate were prepared: (i) polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based suppositories carrying free Artesunate (non-modified Artesunate), (ii) PEG-based suppositories carrying Artesunate-loaded micelles and (iii) 3D-printed suppositories carrying a PEG/Artesunate mixture. Physical parameters of suppositories, release profiles of Artesunate (the fastest to the slowest: ii≥i>iii) and thermostability (the most stable to the least stable: iii>ii>i) of suppositories at increased temperature were assessed to determine the advantages and disadvantages of each formulation.
