Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42180246›Full record

SynthesisFrontiers in cellular and infection microbiology2026

Artesunate repurposing for cytomegalovirus management: a systematic review of efficacy, mechanisms, and perspectives.

Haohao Zhang, Fanchao Zhou, Jianping Song, Changsheng Deng, Xiao He, Suiqin Ni

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Haohao ZhangDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
Fanchao ZhouArtemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
Jianping SongArtemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
Changsheng DengArtemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
Xiao HeArtemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
Suiqin NiDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a prevalent opportunistic pathogen associated with significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals, particularly transplant recipients and neonates. Current antiviral therapies are often constrained by substantial toxicity and the emergence of drug resistance. Artesunate (ART), a proven antimalarial agent with established safety profiles, has been explored for potential repurposing against CMV infection, though its anti-CMV pharmacodynamics remain incompletely elucidated. Methods: This systematic review synthesized evidence from 46 studies published through December 2025, covering Results: ART exhibits potent anti-CMV activity Conclusions: The short plasma half-life of ART may represent a pharmacokinetic limitation to its clinical application. Further research, including formulation optimization, targeted pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies, and well-controlled clinical trials, is warranted to evaluate the potential role of ART in CMV management.

Indexed as

Antiviral AgentsArtesunateCytomegalovirusCytomegalovirus InfectionsDrug RepositioningAnimalsHumansViral LoadAntiviral AgentsArtesunateantiviralartemisininartesunateCMV infectioncytomegalovirushcmv

Identifiers

PMID42180246
PMCPMC13189954

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.