New Malaria Drug for Newborns Offers Hope for Africa

Switzerland has approved Coartem Baby, the first antimalarial treatment specifically designed for newborns and very young children, marking a potential turning point in Africa’s fight against malaria.

The treatment, developed by Novartis with support from the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), is expected to be fast-tracked for approval in eight African countries, including Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda, that participated in a joint regulatory review.

“The burden of malaria remains heaviest among children under five, and newborns have long been left without effective treatment options,” said Dr Fortunate Mokoena, a malaria specialist at North-West University in South Africa.

Coartem Baby, known as Riamet Baby in some markets, targets infants weighing under 4.5 kg, a group previously treated with formulations intended for older children, often leading to intolerance or toxicity.

Malaria vaccines are only recommended for children over the age of two, leaving newborns with limited protection.

“This approval sends a strong signal about prioritising maternal and neonatal survival in Africa,” Mokoena said, adding that over 90% of global malaria cases occur in sub-Saharan Africa. “This is incredibly positive news and gives hope for a healthier, more prosperous future for the continent.”

Despite the milestone, Mokoena cautioned that challenges remain, particularly in funding access to treatments and investing in local manufacturing to reduce costs.

“Without local production and sustainable funding, even the best medical breakthroughs will struggle to reach those most in need,” she said.

Malaria remains a leading cause of child mortality in Africa, with the World Health Organisation estimating that a child dies from the disease every minute on the continent.

The approval of Coartem Baby offers a rare lifeline for newborns at high risk of severe malaria infections.

Novartis and MMV said they would work closely with health authorities in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda to expedite the drug’s registration and distribution.

ligadwah@businessdayafrica.org