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 Africa1. 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.

“We are pleased with the positive outcomes from our CALINA study and to be one step closer to bringing an effective malaria treatment to all age groups, including vulnerable newborn babies," said Shreeram Aradhye, President, Development and Chief Medical Officer at Novartis. “We have been committed to the fight against malaria for more than two decades, and this successful trial represents another milestone towards ensuring that all people have access to an appropriate antimalarial therapy.”

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 below 5 kg make up a critical neglected group, and developing antimalarials specifically suited to their needs is essential to malaria control efforts,” said Wiweka Kaszubska, Executive Vice President, Head of Product Development, MMV. “The success of the CALINA trial brings us one step closer to ensuring that all patients have access to appropriate and effective treatments.”

“The CALINA trial is an example of the type of Europe-Africa collaboration we need to close malaria treatment gaps for vulnerable groups, and EDCTP is proud to be part of this endeavor,” said Pauline Beattie, Operations Manager and Scientific Advisor, EDCTP Association.