First Malaria Drug for Newborns and Young Infants

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