Making ivermectin safe and accessible for all ages
An opportunity to extend treatment for multiple Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) worldwide
Providing clinical evidence to support the use of ivermectin for children under 15kg
Broadening the scope of NTD control programs
The IVM-KIDS project is a European–African research partnership conducting clinical studies to extend the indication of ivermectin (IVM) to children weighing 5-15 kg. Ivermectin is a key clinical tool for the control of several NTDs like soil-transmitted helminths (STH), onchocerciasis, scabies and lymphatic filariasis (LF). Currently, the younger cohort below 5 years old (or under 15kg) is excluded from treatment due to an absence of enough safety data.
We aim to address this critical gap by evaluating the safety, pharmacokinetics and efficacy of generic ivermectin and a novel oro-dispersible formulation of the drug, both in combination with albendazole. We aim to generate data necessary for the inclusion of pre-school age children in parasite control programmes.
Why paediatric ivermectin can change NTD control
NTDs affect over one billion people worldwide, driving morbidity, disability and poor socio-economic development outcomes in the most affected regions.
Mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns delivers preventive treatment to entire communities, reducing transmission and accelerating progress towards NTD elimination targets.
Currently, children under 15kg –roughly 20% of the population– are not included in MDAs with ivermectin, limiting the overall effectiveness of these programmes.
Unlocking a paediatric formulation would extend treatment coverage, improve MDA efficiency and boost communities’ well-being and productivity.
The IVM-KIDS Consortium
Eight partners, one mission: expanding treatment for NTDs
Our consortium brings together leading academic, pharmaceutical and industry partners across Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. This collaboration bridges the full pathway from scientific research to community-level adoption, enabling us to deliver impactful solutions at scale.
Credit: Neil Brandvold – DNDi
