Promising Mango-Flavored Pill Aims to Eradicate Intestinal Worms

A novel mango-flavored pill combining two existing anti-parasitic medications has demonstrated effective results in clinical trials targeting intestinal worms, which impact 1.5 billion people globally. Researchers hope this development can combat drug resistance and support large-scale treatment initiatives.

A new mango-flavored tablet being developed to tackle intestinal worms has shown encouraging outcomes in trials, potentially offering a solution to a major health challenge affecting approximately 1.5 billion individuals worldwide. Researchers announced that this innovative pill merges two well-established anti-parasitic drugs, which together demonstrate increased effectiveness in eliminating parasitic infections.

Intestinal worms are often contracted through contaminated food or water, resulting in severe gastrointestinal symptoms, malnutrition, and anemia. Particularly concerning, these parasites—known as soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) including whipworm and hookworm—are prevalent in developing nations with inadequate hygiene standards. The majority of those infected are children, and current preventive measures are limited to improving sanitation.

The research, part of a project named "ALIVE," published in the Lancet, indicates that the new pill could assist affected countries in achieving World Health Organization goals aimed at eradicating these parasitic diseases, emphasizing its potential as a mass treatment option. The pill is designed for easy administration, whether as a single dose or three consecutive doses.

Leading the project, Prof. Jose Muñoz stated, "This single pill not only simplifies treatment but also combines two different mechanisms to potentially mitigate drug resistance among parasites." Infections occur when these parasites invade the digestive system, and while the existing drug albendazole treats specific STH species, it is becoming less effective against others.

Clinical trials involving 1,001 children aged 5-18 conducted in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Mozambique revealed that the new combination pill was more effective in addressing multiple infection types when paired with the drug ivermectin. However, researchers noted the need for further confirmation regarding its efficacy against threadworm.

Parasitologist Prof. Hany Elsheikha from the University of Nottingham acknowledged the pill’s promise as a significant upgrade from current treatments, stating, "This could be a major addition to combat multiple parasites." Nonetheless, he highlighted the study's limitations, noting the need for additional data on its effectiveness across diverse populations.

The trial results have been forwarded to regulatory bodies in Europe and Africa, with decisions anticipated by early 2025. Further trials involving 20,000 participants are set to commence in Kenya and Ghana. Dr. Stella Kepha from the Kenya Medical Research Institute, involved in the study, pointed out the pill’s "great potential for improving health" but acknowledged the challenges ahead for broader implementation of the treatment.