Novartis Officially Launches Pediatric Version of ACT Coartem in 14 African Countries
Novartis last week officially launched a cherry-flavored version of its artemisinin-based combination drug Coartem to treat malaria among children, VOA News reports. The Swiss pharmaceutical company and the not-for-profit organization Medicines for Malaria Venture launched the drug in 14 African countries at a conference in Dakar, Senegal (Latham, VOA News, 2/20). The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation also provided funding for the development of the new drug, called Coartem Dispersible.Although earlier formulations of Coartem were bitter and caused some children to spit out the drug, the new tablet dissolves in water or breast milk and tastes like fruit juice. Senegalese Health Minister Safiatou Thiam Sy said the launch of Coartem Dispersible "will mark a major step forward" if children accept the medication. She added that the drug will be available to governments at the subsidized price of 30 cents per treatment course per child, a price that is affordable for a majority of Africans (Callimachi, AP/Google.com, 2/20). In addition, Sy said treating malaria among children will be a major factor contributing to the development of Senegal and Africa as a whole.
Gianfranco Rotigliano, UNICEF's director for West and Central Africa, said the child-friendly version of Coartem was a step forward but added that a coordinated effort would be necessary to administer the drug properly. According to health experts, children must complete the three-day treatment course to prevent malaria relapse. Novartis said the company is undertaking efforts with health officials to educate health workers and the public about proper drug administration (VOA News, 2/20). Hans Rietveld, marketing director for Novartis' malaria initiatives, called for African governments, health workers and donor organizations to work together to ensure the success of the new drug. He added he is "convinced that through this partnership, we will combat the scourge" of malaria. According to Rietveld, Novartis also is working with partners in Africa and China to ensure sustained supplies of artemisinin (Ilevbare, This Day, 2/21).
Outgoing Ugandan Health Minister Expresses Concern About Coartem Dispersible's Competition With Locally Produced Drugs
In related news, Emmanuel Otaala, Uganda's outgoing primary health care minister, recently expressed concern that Coartem Dispersible will compete with drugs produced by Quality Chemicals, a local malaria drug manufacturer. Ambrose Talisuna, MMV country director, said, "We want Ugandans to enjoy high quality medicine" but added that Uganda cannot purchase drugs from Quality Chemicals using funds from the World Health Organization or the Global Fund To Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria because WHO has not approved the factory. He added that if WHO approves Quality Chemicals, governments could decide whether to purchase malaria drugs from the manufacturer (Bugembe, New Vision, 2/22).
