First malaria vaccine for babies approved for use
The first malaria treatment for infants and very young children is approved for use.
It is expected to be released in African countries within weeks.
Until now, there was no malaria medication approved, especially for infants.
Instead, it was treated with versions formulated for older children offering an overdose risk.
In 2023 – the year of the latest figures – malaria was linked to about 597,000 deaths.
Almost all deaths were in Africa and about three quarters were children under five years of age.
There are malaria treatments for children, but so far, especially for youngest babies and young children who were less than 4.5 kg or more than 10 lb.
Instead, it was treated with drugs designed for older children.
However, this may not be safe for babies who are still developing for these older children, liver functions that are still developing and processing body medicines differently.
Experts say this leads to what is defined as “treatment gap”.
A new drug developed by the drug company Novartis has been approved by the Swiss authorities and will be launched in regions and countries with the highest malaria in weeks.
Novartis plans to introduce this to a large extent on a non -profit basis.
Vas Narasimhan, the general manager of the company, says this is an important moment.
“For more than thirty years, we have remained as a course in the fight against malaria by working cruelly to offer scientific breakthroughs where they need the most.
“Together with our partners, we are proud to go more to develop clinically proven first malaria treatment for newborn and young babies, allowing even the smallest and most vulnerable to get the care they deserve.”
In some countries, the drug, known as Coartem Baby or Riamet Baby, was developed by Novartis in collaboration with Swiss -based non -profit -to -profit -oriented institution, which was initially supported by British, Switzerland and Dutch governments.
The eight African nation also participated in the evaluation and essays of the drug and is expected to be among the first to access it.
MMV CEO Martin Fitchet says it is an important step on the road to end the huge passage fee received by the malaria.
“Malaria is one of the most deadly diseases in the world, especially among children. However, it can be eliminated by correct resources and focus.
“The approval of the Coartem baby provides a necessary drug with an optimized dose to treat a neglected group of patients, otherwise it will make a valuable contribution to the antimalary tool box.”
Prof. Dr. Hertfordshire University School of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences. Marvelle Brown says it should be seen as a great breakthrough in saving the lives of infants and young children.
“The mortality rate is extremely high for malaria infections, especially in sub -Sahara Africa – more than 76% of deaths occur in children under five years of age.
“The increase in death without malaria is primarily combined with sickle cell disease due to a weak immune system.
“From the public health perspective, Novartis can help reduce the inequality in access to health services, non -profit.”
