New pediatric malaria treatment promises to save thousands of young lives worldwide
In a major breakthrough for global child health, pharmaceutical giant Novartis has received regulatory approval for the first malaria drug specifically formulated for babies and young children. The approval is expected to significantly reduce childhood mortality caused by Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest form of malaria.
About the New Malaria Treatment
The new formulation is a dispersible version of the drug Coartem (artemether-lumefantrine), designed for easier administration to infants and young children.
Key features include:
- Fast-dissolving tablets that can be mixed with water, suitable for children as young as 2 months old.
- Clinically proven to be safe and highly effective in clearing malaria infections in pediatric patients.
Why This Matters: Malaria’s Global Impact
According to the World Health Organization (WHO):
- Malaria kills over 600,000 people annually, with children under 5 accounting for 80% of deaths.
- Sub-Saharan Africa bears the highest burden of pediatric malaria mortality.
Novartis’ Ongoing Malaria Commitment
This approval reflects Novartis’ two-decade-long commitment to malaria eradication, during which it has:
- Supplied over 1 billion antimalarial treatments worldwide.
- Partnered with global health organizations to ensure affordable access in low-income countries.
“This pediatric formulation will help protect the most vulnerable children and advance global malaria elimination goals,” said a Novartis spokesperson.
Next Steps for Malaria Eradication
The new drug will be rolled out through public health programs across high-burden countries, alongside prevention efforts like mosquito nets and vaccines. Experts believe it could play a crucial role in meeting the WHO’s 2030 malaria elimination targets.
Source: Reuters – Novartis gets approval for first malaria drug for babies and children
