Key Takeaways
- Syngenta‘s Sovrenta® insecticide gains prequalification from the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Designed for malaria control, the product targets mosquitoes that have developed resistance to older treatments.
- Sovrenta® uses a new active ingredient and requires only one seasonal application.
- The WHO prequalification enables global procurement and distribution in malaria-affected regions.
- Syngenta continues its long-term focus on vector control and public health solutions.
Syngenta’s Sovrenta®: Addressing Malaria with New Tools
Malaria remains a major public health concern, with the World Health Organization reporting 263 million cases and nearly 600,000 deaths in 2023. A significant majority of cases and fatalities occurred in Africa, particularly among children under five.
To help address this challenge, Syngenta (Profile) has developed Sovrenta®, a next-generation insecticide aimed at providing long-lasting control of mosquitoes. The product recently received WHO prequalification, indicating that it meets international standards for safety, efficacy, and quality in vector control.
Technical Background and Application
Sovrenta® is based on Syngenta’s PLINAZOLIN® technology, which introduces a new mode of action. It works by disrupting the nervous system of mosquitoes, leading to paralysis and death. The insecticide is designed for use once per season, which may offer operational advantages to malaria control programs by reducing application frequency and associated costs.
The product is intended to be part of an integrated vector management strategy, especially in areas where mosquito resistance to older insecticides—such as those based on pyrethroids—has been observed.
WHO’s Syngenta Prequalification and Distribution
The WHO’s Vector Control Product Prequalification (VCPP) program reviews products used to reduce the transmission of diseases like malaria. Products that pass this evaluation are eligible for procurement by national governments and global health organizations.
With Sovrenta® now on the list, Syngenta is positioned to expand its presence in public health sectors across malaria-endemic countries. The company has noted that the product is suitable for use in rotation with other insecticides to support resistance management strategies.
Company Comments and Industry Context
“This marks an important step in bringing new tools to the countries most affected by malaria,” said Andy Bywater, Global Head of Marketing for Vector Control at Syngenta. “Our objective is to provide effective solutions that align with evolving resistance patterns.”
The introduction of Sovrenta® adds to Syngenta’s portfolio of vector control products, which already includes Actellic®, used in over 30 countries. According to the company, its products are part of broader efforts to reduce malaria transmission through indoor residual spraying and other public health initiatives.
6 Comments