Swiss Authority Approves World’s First Malaria Drug for Infants

malaria drug specifically designed for infants, signifies a monumental advancement in pediatric healthcare. This innovative treatment targets infants weighing between 2 and 5 kilograms, addressing a critical gap in malaria treatment options for young children . Given that malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children in endemic regions, particularly Africa, this development is poised to have far-reaching implications for public health .

Swissmedic gave a green light Tuesday for the medicine from Basel-based pharmaceutical company Novartis for treatment of babies with body weights between 2 and 5 kilograms (nearly 4½ to 11 pounds), which could pave the way for hard-hit African nations to follow suit in coming months.

World Health Organization, to help developing countries access needed treatment.

Up to now, antimalarial drugs designed for older children have been administered to small infants in careful ways to avoid overdose or toxicity, in what Bassat called a "suboptimal solution" that the newly designed medicine could help rectify. "This is a drug which we know is safe, we know works well, and therefore it will just be available as a new version for a specific age group," he said. Ruairidh Villar, a Novartis spokesperson, said that eight African countries took part in the assessment and are expected to approve the medicine within 90 days. The company said that it's planning on a rollout on a "largely not-for-profit basis" in countries where malaria is endemic.

Coartem Baby is a lower-dose formulation of an existing antimalarial medication and has been designed with ease of administration in mind. Its dissolvable nature allows it to be mixed with breast milk and its cherry flavor enhances acceptability among infants. The anticipated rapid approvals from several African countries reflect the urgent need for effective treatments that are both safe and accessible to vulnerable populations . However, experts emphasize the importance of equitable distribution systems to ensure that this life-saving medication reaches those who need it most.

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Sara H

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