The first-ever malaria treatment specifically designed for babies and very young children has been approved for use.
The new drug, known as Coartem Baby or Riamet Baby in some countries, is expected to be rolled out across African nations within weeks — bringing renewed hope in the fight against one of the world’s deadliest diseases.
Until now, there had been no approved malaria medication tailored for babies weighing less than 4.5kg (about 10 pounds). Instead, infants were treated using scaled-down doses meant for older children, posing serious risks of overdose due to their developing liver functions.
Experts have long warned of this “treatment gap” which left newborns and small babies vulnerable.
The new drug was developed by Novartis in collaboration with Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) — a Swiss-based non-profit supported by international institutions such as the World Bank, the British and Swiss governments, and the Rockefeller Foundation.
Eight African countries participated in the trials and assessment of the treatment, and they are now expected to be among the first to access it.
Martin Fitchet, CEO of MMV, says this is another important step on the road towards ending the huge toll taken by malaria.
“Malaria is one of the world’s deadliest diseases, particularly among children. But with the right resources and focus, it can be eliminated.
“The approval of Coartem Baby provides a necessary medicine with an optimised dose to treat an otherwise neglected group of patients and offers a valuable addition to the antimalarial toolbox.”
Novartis says it plans to distribute the drug on a not-for-profit basis, helping to reduce barriers to access in low-income regions.
“This is an important moment,” said Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan. “Even the smallest and most vulnerable can now receive the care they deserve.”
In 2023 alone, malaria was responsible for approximately 597,000 deaths, the vast majority in Africa. Nearly three-quarters of those deaths were children under five.
Health experts have hailed the approval as a turning point. Dr. Marvelle Brown, a public health professor, called it a “major breakthrough” that could dramatically reduce infant mortality rates.
With the introduction of Coartem Baby, a new chapter in the fight against malaria begins — one that finally includes the world’s youngest and most at-risk children.
