New malaria medicines

Bayer and Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), a World Health Organization initiative, have signed an agreement to develop a new malaria medicine based on the active ingredient artemisone, for which Bayer holds patent rights. Artemisone has been shown to be very well tolerated, 20 to 30 times more effective and with a much more rapid onset of action than previously used substances. Clinical trials are scheduled to begin in 2003, with the first market launch planned for 2005.

Under the terms of the agreement, Bayer will development and supply the finished product, while MMV will be responsible for monitored distribution in developing countries' health systems. The price is to be set at a level that would allow all segments of the population in the developing countries to receive treatment. 'This is an agreement that both partners – and especially the affected population in the developing countries – can benefit from,' said Burkhard Fugmann, who is in charge of the project at Bayer.

Some 300-500 million people become infected each year, almost all in developing countries. Of the 1-3 million people who die of malaria each year, most are children under five. The demand for new formulations will continue to rise due to increased resistance to currently used medicines.