Oxfendazole for lymphatic filariasis
Oxfendazole for lymphatic filariasis
Evaluate the effectiveness of oxfendazole as a treatment for lymphatic filariasis
current phase of drug development
updated 2 Dec 2025
Oxfendazole, a veterinary product used for deworming in animals, was first identified as a potential macrofilaricidal treatment for river blindness following active screening of literature as well as drug libraries obtained from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Following the development of a field-adapted tablet suitable for use in humans, oxfendazole entered Phase I clinical trials in 2020. Phase II proof-of-concept studies were initiated by DNDi and partners – including the eWHORM partnership – in 2024 utilizing and innovative adaptive basket trial design to test for safety and efficacy against multiple helminthic diseases, including river blindness, loiasis, mansonellosis, and soil-transmitted helminthic infections.
In 2025, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) initiated a Phase IIa proof-of-concept trial testing the safety and efficacy of oxfendazole as a treatment for lymphatic filariasis. DNDi is supporting the clinical trial by providing the investigational medical product (IMP), technical support, and co-monitoring.
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