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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for POST KALA-AZAR DERMAL LEISHMANIASIS are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
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
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.