Emodepside — A Promising Drug for the Treatment of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiases

This editorial reviews clinical findings from a recent trial evaluating emodepside, a veterinary anthelmintic for human treatment of Trichuris trichiura and hookworm infections. The authors highlight its efficacy, especially in areas where resistance to benzimidazole drugs has emerged or where hookworm and whipworm predominate. With a novel mechanism of action, emodepside shows promise as both a first- and second-line therapy. The article discusses implications for global parasitic disease control, drug resistance, and access to treatment in low-income settings, noting safety and affordability concerns but emphasizing its potential impact on public health.

This editorial reviews clinical findings from a recent trial evaluating emodepside, a veterinary anthelmintic for human treatment of Trichuris trichiura and hookworm infections. The authors highlight its efficacy, especially in areas where resistance to benzimidazole drugs has emerged or where hookworm and whipworm predominate. With a novel mechanism of action, emodepside shows promise as both a first- and second-line therapy. The article discusses implications for global parasitic disease control, drug resistance, and access to treatment in low-income settings, noting safety and affordability concerns but emphasizing its potential impact on public health.