Forging Ahead the Repositioning of Multitargeted Drug Ivermectin

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Infectious Diseases
• Drug Repurposing

Background:

• Ivermectin has demonstrated remarkable success in treating onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis, significantly impacting public health in affected regions.
• Initially discovered for parasitic infections, ivermectin is recognized for its safety profile and minimal toxic effects.
• The drug's broad-spectrum activity and multitargeted nature have spurred interest in its therapeutic potential beyond its original indications.

Approach:

• This review explores the unexplored therapeutic avenues for ivermectin, focusing on its potential in cancer, viral infections (including SARS-CoV-2), and bacterial infections.
• It examines the regulatory considerations and current formulation strategies pertinent to drug repurposing.
• The review synthesizes existing knowledge and ongoing research to highlight ivermectin's expanding role in medicine.

Key Points:

• Ivermectin's efficacy extends to various tropical diseases like Chagas disease and leishmaniasis.
• Ongoing research is evaluating ivermectin's effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2.
• The drug exhibits broad-spectrum activity and a favorable safety profile, making it a candidate for repurposing.

Conclusions:

• Ivermectin's multitargeted nature and proven success position it as a valuable drug for repurposing in diverse medical fields.
• Continued research and development efforts are crucial for fully realizing ivermectin's potential in addressing global health challenges.
• The drug's journey from a microbe-derived compound to a global health asset underscores the power of scientific innovation in disease management.