Prelims: Current events of national and international importance
Why in News?
Recently, Novartis has received approval from Swissmedic for Coartem (artemether-lumefantrine) Baby, a first malaria medicine for newborns and young infants.
- Alternate Name - The medicine is also known as Reimit Baby in several countries.
- Joint Development - Developed in collaboration with Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) to target life-threatening vascular bone disease.
- African Participation - Eight African countries took part in the assessment process and are expected to issue fast-track approvals.
- Birth Risk - Around 30 million babies are born annually in malaria-prone African areas.
- Infection Data - Surveys in West Africa show 3.4% to 18.4% infection rates in babies under 6 months.
- Infant Breakthrough - This marks the first clinically proven malaria treatment for infants under 4.5 kg.
- Treatment Gap - Previously, such infants were treated with older children’s doses, risking overdose and toxicity.
- Vaccine Unavailability - Malaria vaccines are not approved for the youngest infants, worsening the protection gap.
- Trial Limitation - Young infants are typically excluded from clinical trials due to immature liver metabolism.
- Dose Adaptation - Novartis developed a dose suited for neonates with support from MMV, Kaoma, and Palm Africa Consortium.
- Child-Friendly - The medicine dissolves in breast milk and features a sweet cherry flavor for easier administration.
- Expert Opinion - Researchers highlighted dosing challenges due to newborns' underdeveloped liver functions.
- Global Access - Novartis aims to provide the treatment on a largely not-for-profit basis in malaria-endemic areas.
Reference
Medical Dialogues | Coartem Baby - First Malaria Drug for Young Infants
