European drug regulators have approved a new medicine for sleeping sickness, a serious disease found mainly in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa. The announcement was made by a scientific committee of the European Medicines Agency. The medicine is called acoziborole and was developed by Sanofi. It is planned for use in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where most cases occur, with later use in other African countries. Sleeping sickness spreads through bites from tsetse flies and can cause fever, confusion, and changes in sleep. Reports show that fewer than 600 cases were recorded in 2024, compared with many thousands in the past.

The new treatment is easier because patients take one dose of three pills at the same time. This reduces the need for long hospital stays and travel. Studies of about 200 patients in Congo and Guinea showed that more than 95 percent were cured after 18 months. The approval is for patients aged 12 and older and for both early and late stages of the disease. The medicine removes the need for spinal taps. Health officials say easier treatment can help reach remote communities and support the World Health Organization plan to stop the disease by 2030. Sanofi will donate the medicine through the World Health Organization to provide free access.