DOLF project studies have demonstrated the safety and superior efficacy of IDA (a triple drug regimen of ivermectin, DEC, and albendazole) for treatment of lymphatic filariasis (LF). Moxidectin is a new drug that was recently approved for treatment of onchocerciasis. It is more effective than ivermectin for long-term clearance of O. volvulus parasites from the skin. DOLF has just initiated a clinical trial that will test the safety and efficacy of moxidectin in combination with other drugs for treatment for LF.
The study will compare the safety and efficacy of four different treatment regimens, namely ivermectin with albendazole (IA, the currently recommended treatment for LF in most of Africa), IDA, moxidectin plus albendazole, and MoxDA. The study will also determine whether moxidectin affects clearance of albendazole or DEC from the blood.
The study is being conducted at the Filariasis Clinical Research Center in Agboville, north of Abidjan. Study initiation was delayed because of COVID-19, and special steps are being taken to reduce the risk of COVID-19 for study participants. We expect to complete enrollment and the safety evaluation by December 2020. The primary efficacy endpoint for the study will be 2 years after treatment. Please see NCT04410406 at clinicaltrials.gov for more information on the study.
The photos show lead study investigators at the research center (Drs. Ben Koudou, T.P. Gabo, Catherine Bjerum, and Phil Budge) and an enrollment training session.