In trials, researchers say a new tablet under development to treat intestinal worms has shown promise in potentially eradicating the parasitic infection that affects around 1.5 billion people globally.
The mango-flavoured pill combines two existing anti-parasitic drugs that, when used together, seem to be more effective in eliminating worms.
These worms are acquired through contaminated food or water that has been exposed to worm eggs in the soil, causing severe gastrointestinal symptoms, malnutrition, and anaemia.
Researchers believe this pill could help tackle potential drug resistance issues and improve the management of the disease on a larger scale.
The parasites, known as soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), such as whipworm and hookworm, are prevalent in many developing countries with poor hygiene standards.
Many children are affected, and there is currently no preventive treatment beyond improved sanitation.
A study named “ALIVE,” published in the Lancet, suggests that this new pill could help heavily impacted countries achieve the World Health Organization’s goals for eliminating these diseases.
Administered as a fixed dose of either a single pill or three tablets over consecutive days, researchers from European and African institutions believe it could be a simple solution for mass treatment programs.
Project leader Prof Jose Muñoz indicates that the single-pill administration and the combination of two drugs with different mechanisms of action could reduce the risk of parasites developing drug resistance.
Once infected, these parasites establish themselves in people’s digestive tracts.
While albendazole is effective against some STH species, its efficacy against others is diminishing. However, combining it with ivermectin during a trial involving 1,001 children in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Mozambique proved more effective against various infections.
According to Prof. Hany Elsheikha from the University of Nottingham, the pill could be a significant advancement in treating multiple parasites and overcoming challenges associated with current medications.
While the study shows promising results, there are still uncertainties regarding its effectiveness on different age groups and populations worldwide.
Regulatory authorities in Europe and Africa are reviewing the trial results, with decisions expected in early 2025, while a further trial involving 20,000 individuals in Kenya and Ghana is underway.
Dr. Stella Kepha from the Kenya Medical Research Institute acknowledges the pill’s potential to enhance the health of affected communities but notes the need for further efforts to ensure widespread implementation of the treatment.