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Mectizan Donation Program: Frequently Asked Questions


What is Mectizan?

Mectizan^® (ivermectin MSD) is an antiparasitic drug developed, manufactured, and donated by Merck & Co., Inc. to treat onchocerciasis (river blindness) worldwide and lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) in Africa and Yemen where the two diseases co-exist. Mectizan has an excellent safety profile, and is proven to be highly-effective and well-tolerated. Taken once annually, Mectizan relieves the signs and symptoms of the onchocerciasis and reduces the transmission of lymphatic filariasis.

Why Mectizan?

Before Mectizan, drugs to treat these two diseases were limited to diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and suramin for onchocerciasis, and DEC for lymphatic filariasis. The use of these drugs for the treatment of onchocerciasis was never widespread, and is no longer recommended, because of the potential for serious side effects in onchocerciasis patients which include irreversible eye damage, rash, peeling of the skin, diarrhea, and damage to the kidneys.^1-3

What is the role of the Mectizan Donation Program?

The Mectizan Donation Program was established by Merck & Co., Inc. to serve as an independent organization to faciliate the donation and delivery of Mectizan to countries in Africa and Latin America endemic for onchocerciasis, and to countries in Africa where onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis co-exist.

What is the relationship between the MDP and Merck?

Merck established the MDP to ensure that good medical practice and approved prescribing procedures are adhered to when Mectizan is used. Merck and MDP form part of a larger public-private partnership that includes UN agencies, bilateral donors, multilateral development agencies, governmental and non-governmental organizations, local communities and the private sector.

What is the relationship between the MDP and GlaxoSmithKline?

The drug albendazole is donated by GlaxoSmithKline to control lymphatic filariasis worldwide. In Africa where onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis co-exist, the MDP facilitates the co-administration of both Mectizan and albendazole.

What is the role of the Mectizan Expert Committee?

The Mectizan Expert Committee, an independent group of scientists and advisors, evaluates initial requests for Mectizan  intended for community-based mass treatment programs for both onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis. The Committee meets at least once annually to discuss technical and operational issues related to the mass-distribution of both Mectizan and albendazole.