First malaria therapy for infants and young children approved

The first malaria therapy suitable for infants and very young children has been approved for use, the BBC reports. It is expected to be rolled out in the most affected African countries within a few weeks.

Until now, there have been no approved anti-malarial drugs designed specifically for infants. Instead, preparations intended for older children are used, which carries a risk of overdose.

Malaria caused approximately 597,000 deaths in 2023.

In 2023—the latest year for which current data is available—malaria caused approximately 597,000 deaths. Almost all of these were recorded in Africa, with about three-quarters being children under the age of five.

Medications for treating malaria in children exist, but until now, none have been available specifically targeting the youngest—infants and small children weighing less than 4.5 kilograms. Instead, these infants have been administered drugs intended for older children. However, this poses dangers, as dosages suitable for older children may be unsafe for infants whose livers and metabolic processes are not yet fully developed.

New medication approved by Swiss authorities

According to experts, this situation has led to a significant “treatment gap.” However, a new medication developed by a pharmaceutical company has now been approved by Swiss regulators and is expected to be introduced in countries and regions with high malaria incidence within a few weeks.

The new drug was developed in collaboration with the non-governmental organization Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV). It was initially funded by the governments of the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, as well as the World Bank and the Rockefeller Foundation.

Eight African countries also participated in the trials and evaluation of the medication, and they are expected to be among the first to receive access to it.