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Biltricide®
Praziquantel causes muscular paralysis and death of parasitic worms by increasing cell membrane permeability to calcium ions.
Praziquantel causes muscular paralysis and death of parasitic worms by increasing cell membrane permeability to calcium ions. Used for Schistosomiasis (infection with Schistosoma species), Cysticercosis (Taenia solium infection), Opisthorchiasis and clonorchiasis (liver fluke infections).
At a glance
| Generic name | Biltricide® |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Praziquantel |
| Sponsor | Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany |
| Drug class | Anthelmintic |
| Target | Calcium channels in parasitic flatworms |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease / Parasitology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Praziquantel works by disrupting the calcium ion balance in parasitic worm cells, leading to uncontrolled muscle contractions and paralysis. The drug increases the permeability of the worm's cell membrane to calcium, causing an influx that the parasite cannot regulate. This results in spastic paralysis and detachment of the worm from host tissues, followed by death and clearance by the immune system.
Approved indications
- Schistosomiasis (infection with Schistosoma species)
- Cysticercosis (Taenia solium infection)
- Opisthorchiasis and clonorchiasis (liver fluke infections)
- Other trematode and cestode infections
Common side effects
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Fever
Key clinical trials
- L-PZQ ODT in Schistosoma Infected Children (PHASE3)
- Clinical Evaluation of Ujiplus® Against Schistosoma Mansoni (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Bioequivalence Study of Coated Cesol Tablet Formulation Versus Biltricide (PHASE1)
- Relative Bioavailability Study of Emodepside IR-tablets and Solution (PHASE1)
- Relative Bioavailability Trial of L-Praziquantel in Healthy Volunteers (PHASE1)
- Cross-over Study to Evaluate the Palatability of New Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODTs) of Praziquantel (PZQ) and L-PZQ Versus Current PZQ Tablets in African Children Age 6-11 Years (PHASE1)
- Safety and Efficacy of Mirazid for Schistosomiasis Treatment (PHASE3)
- Comparing Praziquantel Versus Artesunate + Sulfamethoxypyrazine/Pyrimethamine for Treating Schistosomiasis (PHASE2, 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 |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |