Coartem Baby
Malaria is a deadly blood-borne illness caused by infected mosquitoes. In a significant development, a Swiss drug company, Novartis, has been permitted to use Coartem Baby, also known as Riamet Baby, a malaria drug that is a first-of-its-kind, for newborn and very young children.
As per reports, currently, participants from eight African countries, who have cleared the assessment, are in line for quick treatment approvals.
The adult version of Coartem was first approved by the World Health Orgainzation (WHO) in 2004. After subsequent follow-ups, the infant version, known as Coartem Baby, is now approved for use.
"The treatment is dissolvable, including in breast milk, and has a sweet cherry flavour to make it easier to administer," Medicine for Malaria Venture (MMV) explains.
Bridging the treatment gap, Switzerland's health regulator, Swissmedic, states, "The newly authorised product addresses a critical treatment gap for one of the most vulnerable patient populations young infants suffering from malaria.
"The availability of a formulation specifically designed for children under 5 kg marks a significant step forward in the global fight against malaria."
According to a 2023 study by the WHO, there were approximately 2630 lakhs malaria cases and 5.97 lakhs deaths in 83 countries. Whereas, children under 5 were more succumbed to malaria death by 76% in the African Region.
Until now, there has been no drug for treating babies with malaria; however, the recent breakthrough has been a game-changer.
Vas Narasimhan, CEO of Novartis, was reported as saying, "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."
Novartis, in its recent statement, reveals that the newly approved drug, which is developed in collaboration with the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), would primarily be available on a non-profit basis in malaria-endemic regions.
