Old drug, new hope? ivermectin tested for stubborn skin disease

NCT ID NCT06251739

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This early study tested whether the common anti-parasite drug ivermectin could treat post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL), a skin condition that can spread a serious disease. Thirty people in Bangladesh received either ivermectin pills for 3 months or the standard drug miltefosine for 12 weeks. Researchers checked if ivermectin cleared the parasite and reduced skin lesions safely. The goal is to find a shorter, safer treatment to help eliminate PKDL.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Ivermectin (oral tablet)

What this could lead to

If ivermectin works, it could offer a shorter, safer, and cheaper treatment for PKDL, helping eliminate the disease in affected regions.

What could go wrong

This is a very early, small (30 people) proof-of-concept trial. Results may not hold up in larger studies, and ivermectin's effectiveness against PKDL is unproven in humans.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

visceral leishmaniasis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh

    Dhaka, Dhaka Division, 1212, Bangladesh