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Albenza (ALBENDAZOLE)
Albenza works by binding to tubulin in the parasite's microtubules, disrupting their function and ultimately leading to the parasite's death.
Albendazole (Albenza), marketed by Impax Labs Inc, is a leading treatment for parenchymal neurocysticercosis with a key composition patent expiring in 2028. Its mechanism of action, which disrupts the function of the parasite's microtubules, provides a strong therapeutic profile against targeted parasitic infections. The primary risk is competition from off-patent generics such as mebendazole, which has been available since 1974, and other same-class drugs like thiabendazole and fenbendazole.
At a glance
| Generic name | ALBENDAZOLE |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Impax Labs Inc |
| Drug class | Anthelmintic [EPC] |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
| First approval | 1996 |
Mechanism of action
Albendazole is synthetic, antihelminthic drug of the class benzimidazole [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.4)].
Approved indications
- Parenchymal neurocysticercosis
- Cystic hydatid disease
Common side effects
- abnormal liver function tests
- abdominal pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- reversible alopecia
- fever
- dizziness
- headache
- vertigo
- headache
- raised intracranial pressure
- meningeal signs
Drug interactions
- Dexamethasone
- Praziquantel
- Cimetidine
- Theophylline
Key clinical trials
- Efficacy of Na-GST-1/Alhydrogel Hookworm Vaccine Assessed by Controlled Challenge Infection (PHASE2)
- Safety of a Single Dose of Moxidectin Compared With Ivermectin in Individuals Living in Onchocerciasis Endemic Areas and in Individuals Living in Onchocerciasis Endemic Areas With High Levels of Lymphatic Filariasis Co-endemicity Receiving Concomitant Albendazole (PHASE3)
- Improving Cognition and Gestational Duration With Targeted Nutrition (NA)
- Comparative Evaluation of Post Obturation Pain After Root Canal Treatment Using Tricalcium Silicate vs Resin-Based Sealers (NA)
- Moxidectin for LF, Cote d'Ivoire (DOLF) (PHASE3)
- Field Studies on the Feasibility of Interrupting the Transmission of Soil-transmitted Helminths (STH) (PHASE3)
- Tuberculosis - Learning the Impact of Nutrition (NA)
- Comparative Evaluation of Clinical and Radiographic Treatment Outcomes of Garlic Gel and Calcium Hydroxide as an Intracanal Medicament in Nonsurgical Root Canal Treatment of Permanent Teeth. (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| FDA label | Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions |
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Albenza CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Albenza updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Impax Labs Inc portfolio CI