Introduction
A groundbreaking development in the fight against malaria has emerged with the approval of a new treatment specifically designed for newborns and premature babies weighing less than 11 pounds. This new medication, Coartem Baby, addresses a critical gap in the treatment of some of the most vulnerable patients, providing a much-needed solution for infants who are at high risk of malaria.
Approval and Development
Coartem Baby, also known as Riamet Baby, has been approved by Swissmedic, the Swiss health agency. This approval marks a significant milestone in pediatric healthcare, as it offers a new option for treating malaria in infants. The medication was developed by the nonprofit organization Medicines for Malaria Venture, based in Geneva, in collaboration with the Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis.
Significance of the New Treatment
Swissmedic highlighted the importance of this new treatment, stating that it fills a critical gap in the care of small infants suffering from malaria. Malaria, a disease caused by a parasite transmitted through mosquito bites, remains a significant global health challenge. In 2023, it affected 263 million people worldwide and claimed nearly 600,000 lives, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable, with 76% of malaria deaths in Africa occurring in this age group. Bhargavi Rao, co-director of the Malaria Centre at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, emphasized the importance of this new medication for very young and malnourished infants who often do not qualify for standard treatments.
Features of Coartem Baby
Coartem Baby is designed to be easily administered to infants. It dissolves readily in breast milk and has a sweet cherry flavor, making it more palatable for babies. The medication contains two active ingredients, artemether and lumefantrine, which work together to combat the malaria parasite. While these drugs were already approved for use in patients weighing more than 11 pounds, the new formulation is specifically tailored for infants weighing between 4.4 and 11 pounds.
Regulatory and Global Impact
The approval of Coartem Baby was granted under Swissmedic’s Marketing Authorization for Global Health Products (MAGHP), which aims to expedite access to medications for diseases affecting sub-Saharan Africa. Eight African countries, including Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Uganda, and Tanzania, have signed on to review and approve the treatment. Once submitted for review, these countries are expected to authorize the medication within 90 days.
Complementary Malaria Vaccines
In addition to treatments like Coartem Baby, malaria vaccines are also available in many countries. Children can begin receiving vaccinations around five months of age. As of April this year, vaccines were being distributed in 19 countries, responding to what the WHO described as unprecedented demand. However, medications remain essential for treating infants too young for vaccination or those who contract malaria despite being vaccinated.
Commitment to Accessibility
Novartis has committed to offering the new treatment on a nonprofit basis in regions where malaria is prevalent. Dr. Vas Narasimhan, CEO of Novartis, expressed pride in developing the first clinically proven malaria treatment for newborns and small infants, ensuring that even the youngest and most vulnerable patients receive the care they deserve.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite advancements, malaria continues to pose a significant threat, particularly in Africa, where 95% of all malaria deaths occur. Many families lack access to basic tools like mosquito nets or medications. Experts warn that climate change could exacerbate the situation, with longer mosquito seasons and rising temperatures potentially putting over 5 billion people at risk of malaria by 2040, including 1 billion in Africa alone.
Conclusion
For communities affected by malaria, the approval of Coartem Baby represents a vital step forward in protecting newborns from this deadly disease. As efforts continue to combat malaria globally, the introduction of this new treatment offers hope for improved outcomes for some of the most vulnerable patients.
For more information on malaria, visit the Mayo Clinic’s website.
🔗 **Fuente:** https://spanish.healthday.com/noticias-salud/infectious-disease/primer-medicamento-contra-la-malaria-aprobado-para-recien-nacidos-y-bebes-prematuros