River blindness
Our R&D portfolio for filarial diseases
What we have achieved
We have built a portfolio of three R&D projects for river blindness, including two new drug candidates targeting both adult and juvenile worms, and a paediatric formulation of an existing treatment, ivermectin.
What we are doing for people with river blindness
We aim to complete development and register at least one new treatment for river blindness. We are advancing the clinical development of two compounds with promising action against the parasite Onchocerca volvulus. Together with the IVM-KIDS consortium, we are also supporting the development of a new paediatric formulation of ivermectin suitable for young children. In Africa, we are supporting FAME, a consortium working to develop a shorter and safer treatment for river blindness by repurposing fusidic acid as an anti-Wolbachia therapy.
Building capacity, uniting expertise
Research platforms and consortiums that bring together researchers and strengthen research capacities in low- and middle-income countries are central to our virtual R&D model.
Partnering for patients
Collaboration is an essential part of how we work. We have forged a diverse range of alliances and research collaborations with over 200 partners in nearly 50 countries.
Making medical history for neglected patients
We develop urgently needed treatments for neglected patients and ensure they’re affordable, available, and adapted to the communities who need them
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