Moxidectin vs. Ivermectin for Onchocerciasis

Microfilarial loads were reduced more rapidly, to lower levels, and for longer durations with moxidectin than with ivermectin.

Mass administration of ivermectin has been effective in decreasing prevalence of onchocerciasis and eliminating some foci of transmission. However, better tools are needed for broad elimination. In a prior phase II study, moxidectin — a milbemycin macrocyclic lactone widely used in veterinary medicine — was superior to ivermectin in treating patients with onchocerciasis (PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e295). The drug, which is not registered for human use, is minimally metabolized and has a longer half-life in humans than does ivermectin (20–43 days vs. <1 day).

To further evaluate moxidectin in this setting, investigators conducted a phase III superiority trial involving 1472 onchocerciasis-infected patients (≥12 years old) at 4 sites in Ghana,…

Reviewing Author

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Moxidectin vs. Ivermectin for Onchocerciasis

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Reviewing Author