Novartis announces delivery of 4.7m anti-malaria treatments

As part of its worldwide efforts to widen profit-free access to its anti-malaria treatment to patients living in countries where the disease is endemic, Novartis has announced the delivery of 4.7 million treatments of Coartem to the United Republic of Tanzania.

Coartem is a fixed dose artemisinin-based combination therapy indicated for the treatment of acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria – the most dangerous form of the disease. The compound is pre-qualified by the World Health Organisation.

The company reports that it delivered 62 million non-profit treatments of Coartem last year to the public sector, seven times the amount in 2005, while the firm could produce 100 million treatments in 2007 in the event of such orders being received.

Dr Daniel Vasella, chairman and chief executive officer of Novartis, said: “We have made the commitment to ensure that those who need treatment for malaria will have access to Coartem.”

He added that the company was committed to fighting malaria as part of its dedication to curing disease and urged further partnerships with private organisations and governments to save more lives.

In February 2007, Novarits reported its participation in an Indian court hearing, with the firm seeking clarification on the patent laws in the country in relation to its application for protection of its cancer treatment Glivec.