First Approved Malaria Treatment for Infants Set to Roll Out Soon

This historic advancement aims to combat malaria-related deaths in young children, offering them tailored treatment after years of reliance on adult formulas.

The first malaria medication expressly designed for infants has received approval and is anticipated to be available in African nations within weeks. Prior to this, infants and very young children were administered medications intended for older children, heightening their risk of overdose due to differing pharmacological needs. In 2023, malaria caused approximately 597,000 deaths, predominantly affecting children under five years of age in Africa.

Developed by Novartis, the new drug addresses a long-standing "treatment gap" for the youngest patients, who weigh less than 4.5 kg (around 10 lbs). Novartis will introduce the drug, known as Coartem Baby (or Riamet Baby in some regions), on a not-for-profit basis, aiming to bridge healthcare disparities. The approval has garnered praise from experts who highlight the high death rate from malaria among infants, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Vas Narasimhan, CEO of Novartis, emphasized the significance of this development, stating: "For over three decades, we have relentlessly pursued breakthroughs in the fight against malaria." Martin Fitchet, CEO of Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), also noted this milestone as a pivotal moment in addressing malaria's devastating impact on young lives.

The collaborative effort included involvement from eight African countries, and experts believe that access to improved treatments will further diminish the high mortality rates associated with malaria in vulnerable populations. Dr. Marvelle Brown from the University of Hertfordshire lauded the initiative, underscoring that Novartis' not-for-profit approach could enhance equitable access to crucial healthcare resources.