A new malaria treatment designed specifically for newborns and very young children has received regulatory approval, marking a significant step forward in protecting the most vulnerable. The drug, created by Novartis and known as Coartem Baby (or Riamet Baby in some regions), is the first of its kind tailored for infants weighing under 4.5kg—an age group previously overlooked in malaria care.
Historically, babies have been treated with scaled-down versions of medications intended for older children, increasing the risk of incorrect dosing and adverse effects due to underdeveloped liver function. Experts have long warned of a dangerous “treatment gap” for these young patients, who are at high risk. In 2023, malaria claimed around 597,000 lives - most of them in Africa and over 75% in children under five.
The drug, approved by Swiss regulators, is expected to be introduced across African nations within weeks, following successful trials involving eight countries. Novartis says it will distribute the medicine primarily on a not-for-profit basis to ensure accessibility.
Health leaders and researchers have hailed the development as a game-changer. Dr Marvelle Brown of the University of Hertfordshire emphasised that this breakthrough could drastically reduce malaria-related deaths among babies - especially those with sickle cell disease - while promoting more equitable access to life-saving care.
