The Ivermectin Story:
A unique role in the history of healthcare
The story of ivermectin began in 1974. The compound was
extracted from a routine screen of naturally occurring soil organisms taken from
a golf course in Japan. Ivermectin is derived from an organism called Streptomyces
avermitilis (later renamed S. avermectinius).10
The active compound, avermectin, was identified in 1975.10 From this
ivermectin was synthesized. It has since been approved as a safe and effective
drug for certain uses in both animals and humans.10
Researchers have found ivermectin to be potent against some ectoparasites (lice, fleas
and ticks) as well as nematodes (roundworms).26 By blocking muscle activity, ivermectin
paralyzes and kills parasites.10 While lethal to many parasites, studies have demonstrated
that ivermectin has a wide margin of safety in mammals when used in accordance with government approved
product labeling.10
In animals
Ivermectin:
- Was introduced to the global veterinary market in 198110
- Has been used to treat parasitic conditions in many domesticated species including
dogs, cats, and horses10
- Is commonly found today in heartworm medications used for dogs10
- Is marketed in the US in veterinary products such as Zimecterin® and HeartGard®
In people
After its approval for use in animals, ivermectin was introduced into the human
health market as a treatment for certain medical conditions. Oral doses of ivermectin:
- Were introduced to the human health market in 198710
- Are used to prevent river blindness in countries in Africa10
- Are approved in the US for the treatment of pinworms under the name Stromectrol®27
The fight to eliminate river blindness "represents
one of the most triumphant public health campaigns ever waged in the developing
world."
-UNESCO World Science Report, 2005 10
Ivermectin plays a revolutionary role
River blindness is a disease that affects human populations living mostly in rural
areas of Africa. River blindness is caused by a parasitic worm, Onchocerca volvulus,
and is spread by biting flies. Ivermectin kills the immature worms (microfilariae)
that eventually cause blindness.10
As part of an international health campaign to take on this disease, the World Health
Organization began a program to distribute ivermectin to the most-afflicted villages
in Africa. Because of its low toxicity, individuals are trained to administer ivermectin
themselves, resulting in a successful mass drug administration program.10 The program
is scheduled to continue through 2010, with plans to ensure that 50 million Africans
receive ivermectin.10 To date, over 530 million doses of ivermectin have been distributed
as a result of this program.12
Learn more about our research with ivermectin here.
HeartGard® and ZIMECTERIN® are registered trademarks of Merial Limited.
Stromectol® is a registered trademark of MERCK & CO, Inc.
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