10 years of drugmaker action against lymphatic filiarisis

An opinion article in The Lancet has paid tribute to the 10-year efforts of pharmaceutical firms in combating lymphatis filiarisis and  onchocerciasis, both considered "neglected" tropical diseases.  SmithKlineBeecham (now UK-based drug giant GlaxoSmithKline) agreed to  donate albendazole to the Global Program to Eliminate Lymphatic  Filiaris, while US pharmaceutical major Merck & Co allowed ivermectin to  be used for both diseases in countries where they are endemic. The  products have been described as "the best buy in public health," due to  the low cost of the drugs and the considerable benefit they have brought  (Marketletter October 13, 2008).

The Lancet reports that, in 2007, although 81 countries remain endemic  for LF, about 546 million people are receiving treatment. China and  South Korea have eradicated the disease, while several other countries  are checking data to confirm whether they have halted LF transmission.  The cost of treatment is claimed to be as low as $0.06 per patient in  some parts of Africa "and less in parts of Asia."