Context:

Coartem Baby, the first malaria treatment developed specifically for newborns and young infants, is expected to receive widespread approval across Africa soon. Already approved in Ghana and by Swiss authorities, this medication will be available for babies weighing between 2 and 5 kilograms, providing a safer alternative to current treatments designed for older children. Novartis, in collaboration with the Medicines for Malaria Venture, developed this drug to address the high vulnerability of infants to malaria, particularly in Africa where children under five account for a significant portion of malaria deaths. The medicine will be rolled out on a largely not-for-profit basis, aiming to reduce the risk of overdose and toxicity that comes with using adult medications for infants. With 263 million cases and 597,000 deaths from malaria in 2023, this approval marks a crucial advancement in pediatric healthcare in malaria-endemic regions.

Dive Deeper:

• Coartem Baby is the first malaria treatment specifically designed for newborns and young infants, addressing a critical healthcare gap in malaria treatment for this vulnerable age group.

• The drug has already received approval in Ghana and from Swiss authorities, with expectations for approval in eight additional African countries within 90 days, ensuring broader access across the continent.

• Formulated for easy ingestion by infants weighing between 2 and 5 kilograms, Coartem Baby offers a safer alternative to adult medications, which pose risks of overdose and toxicity when used for infants.

• Developed by Novartis in partnership with the Medicines for Malaria Venture, the medicine targets a previously neglected patient group, with plans for a largely not-for-profit distribution model to maximize accessibility.

• Malaria remains a major health challenge in Africa, responsible for 263 million cases and 597,000 deaths in 2023, with children under five accounting for approximately 75% of these deaths, highlighting the urgent need for tailored pediatric treatments.

• The approval of Coartem Baby is a significant step forward in the fight against malaria, providing an optimized dosage for infants and expanding the arsenal of antimalarial treatments available to healthcare providers.

• Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan emphasized the importance of this development, stating that the new treatment ensures even the smallest and most vulnerable patients can finally receive appropriate care, potentially saving countless lives.