Breakthrough in Malaria Treatment for Babies

A groundbreaking development in the fight against malaria has been announced with the approval of the first malaria treatment specifically designed for babies and young children. The new medicine, known as Coartem Baby or Riamet Baby, is expected to be rolled out in African countries within weeks, offering hope to millions of vulnerable children.

Developed by Novartis in collaboration with the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), the treatment is designed for babies weighing less than 4.5kg or around 10lb, who are most at risk of overdose and treatment gaps with existing medications. According to the World Health Organization, malaria was linked to around 597,000 deaths in 2023, with almost all of the deaths occurring in Africa, and around three-quarters of them being children under five years old.

The approval of Coartem Baby marks a significant milestone in the fight against malaria. Experts say this new treatment will help bridge the “treatment gap” for babies and young children, who are most vulnerable to the disease.

Novartis plans to introduce the medicine on a largely not-for-profit basis, making it more accessible to those who need it most. The company’s CEO, Vas Narasimhan, says, “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 new treatment is expected to be rolled out in regions and countries with the highest rates of malaria, with eight African Nations expected to be among the first to access it. This breakthrough offers new hope for reducing the devastating impact of malaria on young children and saving lives.