Novartis and Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) announce positive data from their phase II/III CALINA study, demonstrating that a novel formulation of Coartem®? (artemether-lumefantrine) developed for babies weighing less than 5kg with malaria has the required pharmacokinetic profile and good efficacy and safety. The trial was conducted in several African countries.

The data, which will be presented this week at the Multilateral Initiative on Malaria (MIM Society) 8th Pan-African Malaria Conference in Kigali, have been submitted for regulatory review. Malaria exerts a massive burden on public health across the world, particularly in Africa. Huge strides have been made in recent decades in the treatment of malaria.

However, to date, little data has been generated in the smallest children ? babies less than 5 kg. The CALINA study is led by Novartis, with the scientific and financial support of Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), and as part of the PAMAfrica consortium, which is funded by the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP2).

It is the first evidence-based trial conducted to evaluate a new antimalarial dose and regimen for all infants weighing under 5 kg with acute uncomplicated malaria. If approved, Novartis and MMV aim to make the treatment available as soon as possible to the youngest infants, who currently lack access to evidence-based treatment options. The new formulation, known as Coartem <5 kg Baby, uses a new ratio and dose of artemether-lumefantrine to account for metabolic differences in babies under 5kg.

Infants under 5 kg can be affected by placental malaria, leading to poor birth outcomes, or contract malaria from the bite of an infected mosquito. The prevalence of the disease in this age and weight group is poorly understood, and it is therefore often misdiagnosed. Current antimalarials have not been developed specifically for infants weighing under 5 kg.

There is no approved treatment available for them, and they are treated with tablets meant for children above 5 kg adjusted by weight2. Yet, these tiny patients handle drugs differently due to the immaturity of their metabolizing organs, which can lead to overdose and toxicity. Coartem <5 kg Baby provides optimized dosing specifically tailored to the needs of these vulnerable patients.

If approved, the treatment will close a significant treatment gap.