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Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis has received regulatory approval in Switzerland for Coartem Baby, marking a significant milestone as the first malaria treatment specifically designed for infants and young children. The new formulation addresses a critical treatment gap for babies weighing less than 4.5 kilograms, a group previously lacking approved malaria therapies.
The newly approved medication, also known as Riamet Baby in some countries, is a dissolvable tablet that can be mixed with breast milk and features a sweet cherry flavor to facilitate easier administration to infants. Novartis originally launched Coartem in 1999, but this new dosage strength is specifically tailored for the youngest and most vulnerable patients.
Eight African nations—Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda—participated in the assessment process and are expected to grant rapid approvals for the drug’s use. This move is particularly significant as approximately 30 million babies are born annually in malaria-risk regions of Africa, with infection rates in infants under six months ranging from 3.4% to 18.4% in some West African surveys.
Until now, the lack of approved malaria treatments for the smallest infants has left healthcare providers with limited options, potentially increasing the risk of severe illness and death from malaria in this age group. Novartis’ new formulation is expected to help close this gap and improve outcomes for millions of children in high-risk areas.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available as of July 2025. The approval status and availability of Coartem Baby (Riamet Baby) may vary by country. For medical advice or the latest updates on malaria treatment, please consult healthcare professionals or official health authorities.
