Assessing a Combination Therapy for Helminthiasis in Bangladeshi Children

​Principal Investigator: Dr. Syed Nazin Morshed

Disease: Soil-transmitted helminthiasis

Research Description: Soil-transmitted helminth infection (helminthiasis) is an endemic infectious disease across Bangladesh and other low and lower-middle income countries. Children are more affected than adults, which can negatively impact their nutritional status and early development. Despite efforts to control the disease, particularly through school-based drug administration programs, it is still highly prevalent across high-risk areas of Bangladesh. The current standard treatment, albendazole, raises drug resistance concerns. One strategy to combat drug resistance is to add another medication to the standard treatment. This Phase IIA trial is adding ivermectin (approved for various infectious diseases such as intestinal strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis) to albendazole and comparing it to albendazole alone to treat helminthiasis in Bangladeshi children ages 2-5 years before they are old enough to receive treatment in school. The goals of the study are to improve the outcomes of helminthiasis infections at an earlier age, potentially preventing disease progression, complications and reinfections, as well as to reduce drug resistance risk by offering another treatment option.

Funding Partners: Open Philanthropy

CWR Funding Role: Primary