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Oral ivermectin
Ivermectin binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels in parasitic organisms, causing paralysis and death of the parasite.
Ivermectin binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels in parasites, causing paralysis and death of susceptible organisms. Used for Onchocerciasis (river blindness), Lymphatic filariasis, Strongyloidiasis.
At a glance
| Generic name | Oral ivermectin |
|---|---|
| Also known as | NT007, Liconsa Laboratorios, ivermectin, Direct antiviarl agents |
| Sponsor | University of Oxford |
| Drug class | Macrocyclic lactone antiparasitic |
| Target | Glutamate-gated chloride channels (GluCl) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease / Parasitology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Ivermectin is an antiparasitic agent that selectively binds to invertebrate-specific glutamate-gated chloride ion channels, increasing chloride conductance and hyperpolarizing the cell membrane. This leads to paralysis and death of susceptible parasites. It has high selectivity for parasitic channels over mammalian GABA receptors, making it relatively safe for human use.
Approved indications
- Onchocerciasis (river blindness)
- Lymphatic filariasis
- Strongyloidiasis
- Scabies
- Lice infestation
Common side effects
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Pruritus
- Rash
- Mazzotti reaction (fever, lymphadenitis, arthralgia)
Key clinical trials
- Ivermectin Therapy for Scabies Infection in Children Younger Than 5 Years of Age (ITCHY Study) (PHASE2)
- Ivermectin Combined With Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in Cancer (ICONIC) (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)
- Moxidectin for LF, Cote d'Ivoire (DOLF) (PHASE3)
- Ivermectin Repurposed for the Treatment of PKDL (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Safety and Efficacy of Annual or Biannual Doses of Moxidectin or Ivermectin for Onchocerciasis (PHASE3)
- Ivermectin Safety in Small Children (PHASE2)
- Safety and Efficacy of Novel Combination Regimens for Treatment of Onchocerciasis (PHASE2)
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 |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Oral ivermectin CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Oral ivermectin updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Oxford portfolio CI