Emodepside for Trichuris trichiura and Hookworm Infection

This original article presents results from two phase 2a randomized controlled trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of emodepside, a veterinary anthelmintic against Trichuris trichiura and hookworm infections in humans. Among 442 participants on Pemba Island, Tanzania, cure rates for emodepside were significantly higher than placebo and albendazole. Even low doses (5 mg) produced high cure and egg-reduction rates for T. trichiura, while hookworm required higher doses (≥25 mg) to reach similar efficacy. Adverse events like headache, dizziness, and blurred vision occurred in a dose-dependent fashion, were mild, and resolved within 48 hours. The trials highlight emodepside's potential as a superior treatment for soil-transmitted helminthiases, addressing current limitations in therapeutic options.

This original article presents results from two phase 2a randomized controlled trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of emodepside, a veterinary anthelmintic against Trichuris trichiura and hookworm infections in humans. Among 442 participants on Pemba Island, Tanzania, cure rates for emodepside were significantly higher than placebo and albendazole. Even low doses (5 mg) produced high cure and egg-reduction rates for T. trichiura, while hookworm required higher doses (≥25 mg) to reach similar efficacy. Adverse events like headache, dizziness, and blurred vision occurred in a dose-dependent fashion, were mild, and resolved within 48 hours. The trials highlight emodepside's potential as a superior treatment for soil-transmitted helminthiases, addressing current limitations in therapeutic options.