What was the original purpose of ivermectin?

Ivermectin was originally developed in the late 1970s as an antiparasitic Iverheal 12mg medication, with its primary purpose being the treatment of parasitic infections in both humans and animals. It was discovered by Japanese microbiologist Satoshi Ōmura and American veterinarian William C.

Campbell, who were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015 for their work on ivermectin’s development. Initially, it was used to combat onchocerciasis (river blindness), a parasitic infection caused by the Onchocerca volvulus worm, which leads to severe skin and eye issues. Ivermectin proved highly effective in killing the larvae of the parasite and was later used to treat other parasitic conditions, including lymphatic filariasis, strongyloidiasis, and scabies.

In addition to its use in humans, ivermectin is widely used in veterinary medicine to treat a variety of parasitic infections in animals, such as heartworm in dogs and lice in cattle and horses.

Ivermectin's broad-spectrum antiparasitic activity and relatively low toxicity made it a groundbreaking treatment for neglected tropical diseases. Over time, its uses have expanded, but its initial purpose was to address major parasitic infections, improving the lives of millions, particularly in developing regions where these diseases are prevalent.