First malaria treatment for babies approved for use

10 months ago

First malaria treatment specifically for babies and very young children approved for use.
Expected to be available in African countries within weeks.
Previously, no approved malaria drugs existed for babies; treatments were adapted from older children's doses, risking overdose.
In 2023, malaria was linked to around 597,000 deaths, mostly in Africa, with about 75% being children under five.
New drug, Coartem Baby or Riamet Baby, developed by Novartis in collaboration with Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV).
Approved by Swiss authorities and will be introduced on a largely not-for-profit basis.
Eight African nations participated in the drug's assessment and trials and will be among the first to access it.
Experts highlight the treatment as a major breakthrough in saving lives of babies and young children, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
Novartis's not-for-profit approach aims to reduce healthcare inequality.

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