First Approved Malaria Treatment for Infants Set to Roll Out Soon

Mon Oct 20 2025 10:06:37 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

New drug approved for infants to combat malaria, aimed at reducing health risks in vulnerable populations.

In 2023, malaria caused nearly 600,000 deaths, predominantly in African children under five, highlighting the urgency of developing appropriate treatments.

The global health landscape has undergone a significant advancement with the approval of the first malaria treatment specifically designed for babies and very young children. This crucial new drug is anticipated to be available in African nations within weeks. Previously, infants were treated with formulations meant for older children, risking overdoses due to their immature liver functions and different drug metabolism.

Malaria has been a leading cause of death, with approximately 597,000 fatalities linked to the disease in 2023, primarily affecting children under five in Africa. The lack of approved treatments for the youngest patients created what experts referred to as a “treatment gap,” exacerbating the already dire situation. The newly approved medication, developed by Novartis, addresses this gap by providing a safe, clinically validated treatment.

The drug, named Coartem Baby or Riamet Baby in some regions, is set to make waves in healthcare as it will be distributed largely on a not-for-profit basis. Novartis CEO, Vas Narasimhan, emphasized the importance of this breakthrough, asserting that it represents a commitment to delivering scientific advancements where they are desperately needed.

Collaboratively developed with the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), a not-for-profit organization, this drug has received backing from various international and governmental entities, including the British, Swiss, and Dutch governments. The real-world impact is expected to be profound, particularly in eight African nations involved in the drug’s assessment.

Martin Fitchet, the CEO of MMV, pointed out that malaria's death toll, particularly among young children, underscores the necessity of this new treatment, which is vital in combating the disease. Dr. Marvelle Brown, an associate professor from the University of Hertfordshire, echoed this sentiment, stating the approval marks a pivotal moment towards saving countless young lives in regions severely impacted by malaria.

The community looks forward to the rollout of Coartem Baby, with hopes it will help alleviate the burden on healthcare systems and significantly reduce mortality rates amongst the most vulnerable populations.