Switzerland Grants First Approval for Infant Malaria Drug: Implications for Healthcare Investment Opportunities in Oman

• By HiAdmin
• July 9, 2025
• With 0 comments

Geneva, July 9 – The Swiss Medical Products Agency has granted its first approval for a malaria medication specifically designed for infants, marking a significant advancement in the fight against a disease that claims hundreds of thousands of lives annually, primarily in Africa.

The agency announced it has given the green light to a drug developed by Swiss company Novartis, based in Basel, for treating children weighing between 2 and 5 kilograms. This approval is expected to pave the way for affected African nations to deploy the medication in the coming months.

According to the company, this decision is particularly important as it represents the third instance in which the agency has approved a treatment through an expedited pathway in coordination with the World Health Organization, aimed at facilitating access to essential medications for developing countries.

The new drug, named Kwartem Baby, is a combination of two antimalarial medications and serves as a lower-dose version of a previously approved tablet for older age groups, including older children.

A company spokesperson stated that eight African countries participated in the drug evaluation and are expected to approve it within 90 days. The company plans to distribute the drug “largely on a non-profit basis” in countries where malaria is endemic.

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The approval of “كوارتيم بيبي” by Switzerland’s medical products authority signals a significant advancement in malaria treatment, particularly for vulnerable populations. For businesses in Oman, this advancement represents both an opportunity to engage with pharmaceutical partnerships and a unique chance to contribute to global health initiatives. Investors should consider exploring potential collaborations with companies like Novartis to enhance local healthcare offerings and mitigate health-related risks in the region.

Source: Oman News