European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership

Novartis and MMV Develop Novel Malaria Treatment for Infants Under 5kg, Addressing Critical Treatment Gap

2 years ago

• Novartis and Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) have announced positive results from the CALINA study for a new formulation of Coartem® specifically designed for babies weighing less than 5kg with malaria. • The novel formulation uses a new ratio and dose of artemether-lumefantrine to account for metabolic differences in infants, addressing a significant treatment gap as no evidence-based malaria treatment currently exists for this vulnerable population. • If approved, Coartem <5kg Baby would be the first antimalarial specifically developed for the smallest infants, potentially saving countless lives in malaria-endemic regions where current treatments risk overdose and toxicity in this age group.