First Malaria Treatment for Newborns and Infants Approved
On July 8th, Novartis, a Swiss pharmaceutical company, received approval for the first malaria treatment specifically designed for newborns and infants. The drug is called Coartem Baby and is formulated for babies that are between two to five kilograms (four and a half to 11 pounds). It was tested in 2024 throughout Africa, and results showed that it had good efficacy and safety.
More than a year later, the West African nation of Ghana, which participated in the testing, approved the drug. Other countries that have also been involved in testing are also expected to approve Coartem Baby within 90 days, including Nigeria, Uganda, Mozambique, and Tanzania, which all consistently rank high in malaria cases. “We are pleased … to be one step closer to bringing an effective malaria treatment to all age groups, including vulnerable newborn babies,” said Shreeram Aradhye, President, Development and Chief Medical Officer at Novartis.
In 2023, malaria caused around 597,000 deaths. and three-quarters of the deaths were in children less than 5. Even though there have been medications for children, none have existed for infants, who still have developing metabolic systems. Thus, infants were given doses identical to those who are older individuals, resulting in a risk of overdose. “Most clinical trials have historically excluded babies under six months old,” Ruairidh Villar, a Novartis spokesperson, told CNN.
“We have been committed to the fight against malaria for more than two decades, and this … added Aradhye.
The company’s chief executive, Vas Narasimhan, says this is an important moment.
“For more than three decades, we have stayed the course in the fight against malaria, working relentlessly to deliver scientific breakthroughs where they are needed most. Together with our partners, we are proud to have gone further to develop the first clinically proven malaria treatment for newborns and young babies, ensuring even the smallest and most vulnerable can finally receive the care they deserve.”
The Coartem Baby drug comes in tablets and can be dissolved in many liquids. The drug contains artemether and lumefantrine (hence the name Coartem), two very powerful antimalarials. The drug should be taken twice for three days.
Great revision 🙂
