Syngenta’s new insecticide gains WHO approval for malaria control

Syngenta’s insecticide Sovrenta has received prequalification from the World Health Organization (WHO), a development that could significantly bolster global efforts to control malaria. The announcement comes amid growing concern over rising insecticide resistance and the persistence of malaria, which infected 263 million people and caused nearly 600,000 deaths in 2023, according to WHO data. Approximately 75% of those who died were children under the age of five, with 94% of all cases occurring in Africa.

Sovrenta uses Syngenta’s PLINAZOLIN technology, offering a new mode of action that targets the mosquito nervous system and provides extended efficacy. The product is designed to paralyze and eventually kill mosquitoes after a single seasonal application, reducing logistical and financial burdens on malaria prevention programs. Its effectiveness against treatment-resistant mosquito strains addresses a growing challenge in vector control, where existing tools are becoming less effective.

The WHO’s Vector Control Product Pre-Qualification (VCPP) is a key step toward enabling international procurement and large-scale distribution. Prequalified products are often used by national malaria programs and global health agencies to guide purchasing decisions for use in endemic regions.

Syngenta has been active in malaria vector control for decades, with existing products such as Actellic contributing to the prevention of up to 100 million malaria cases across more than 30 countries annually. Sovrenta now joins the company’s vector control portfolio, offering an additional tool for managing insecticide resistance and supporting long-term disease mitigation strategies.

“This marks an important milestone in Syngenta’s quest to bring its most advanced innovations to malaria-endemic countries,” said Andy Bywater, Global Head of Marketing for Vector Control at Syngenta Crop Protection. “Sovrenta is the only insecticide recognized to provide year-long protection and gives malaria control programs a powerful tool to safeguard communities.”

Bywater emphasized the importance of deploying Sovrenta in coordination with other control products to support resistance management. Syngenta said it will continue working with global and regional partners to ensure the product is used effectively and sustainably.