Posted: 2 July 2024
Medicines Development for Global Health (MDGH) announces that it has received a AU$16M (~US$10.7M) grant from the Australian Government to advance the development and delivery of moxidectin for scabies and lymphatic filariasis and dovramilast for leprosy type 2 reaction.
Scabies, lymphatic filariasis and leprosy type 2 reaction negatively impact the lives of hundreds of millions of people globally and have some of the highest reported prevalence rates in the Indo-Pacific region. People suffering these disfiguring diseases have their ability to work, attend school or to provide for their families affected and endure stigma that compounds the disadvantage of already vulnerable individuals and communities.
The five years of funding will support activities that are critical to the successful development of these medicines, including:
- two key clinical trials – moxidectin for lymphatic filariasis, and dovramilast for acute or recurrent leprosy type 2 reaction
- a community consultation in support of a potential future clinical study of moxidectin for scabies
- the manufacture of dovramilast
- stability studies to extend the shelf-life of bottled moxidectin – an important consideration for large-scale distribution programs to reduce waste and improve usability
- activities to support equitable access to these medicines.
The funding is awarded through the Partnerships for a Healthy Region initiative. This initiative is aimed at building resilient and equitable health systems in the Pacific and Southeast Asia and supporting partner countries to reduce disease and respond effectively to health emergencies.
Mark Sullivan AO, Managing Director said, “Medicines Development for Global Health is the only member of the product development partnership alliance headquartered in the Indo-Pacific. We are delighted and grateful to receive the Australian Government’s support to develop these essential medicines for neglected diseases impacting our region and more broadly. Moxidectin and dovramilast have the potential to improve the lives of over one billion people and this funding is an essential part of developing these medicines to deliver upon that promise.”
