🚨 BREAKING — July 8, 2025 — A world first in the fight against malaria in newborns
This is historic. The Coartem Baby — first antimalarial treatment specifically designed for newborns and infants weighing less than 5 kg — was approved on July 8, 2025 by Swissmedic, the Swiss drug regulatory authority. A step forward that we proudly welcome from the African continent.
Why this is crucial for Africa
- 📊 76 % Malaria-related deaths affect children under 5 years old
- 📊 In 2023, malaria caused 597,000 deaths in the world, including 95 % in Africa
- 💊 Until now, infants weighing less than 5 kg had no suitable treatment — Coartem Baby fills this critical void
An exemplary inclusive South-North partnership
This medicine is the result of a partnership between Novartis And Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), validated via the program MAGHP of Swissmedic, with 8 African regulatory authorities involved from the evaluation phase — Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania.
A formulation designed for the most vulnerable
- 🍒 Cherry flavor for easier administration
- 🍼 To be mixed with breast milk
- ⚗️ Dosage designed for the fragile metabolisms of newborns
What the experts say
«"Malaria in very young children is too often underestimated. This treatment is a game changer."»
«"This is the first time that the most vulnerable babies will have a safe and scientifically validated treatment."»
And now? Imminent access to Africa
The eight African authorities involved are expected to give their authorization within the 90 days following Swiss approval, either before October 6, 2025. The objective: access to non-profit award in all endemic areas.
At AFCRA SMO, we welcome this exemplary South-North collaboration and call for strengthening local pediatric clinical trial capacities so that innovation continues to emerge on the African continent.
— The AFCRA SMO Team
🌐 www.afcra-smo.org | 📩 Contact us
Tags: #Paludisme | #CoartemBaby | #RechercheClinique | #SantenatureSantéInfantile | #Novartis | #AFCRA | #Malaria | #GlobalHealth