Moxidectin

Moxidectin is a potent, broad-spectrum endectocide (antiparasitic that is active against endo- and ecto-parasites) with activity against nematodes, insects, and acari. It was first used in cattle followed by an approved use in general animals. It is a semi-synthetic methoxine derivative of nemadectin which is a 16-member pentacyclic lactone of the milbemycin class. Moxidectin differs by the absence of a disaccharide moiety on carbon 13, a substituted olefinic side chain at carbon 25 and a unique methoxime moiety at carbon 23. Due to these modifications, moxidectin is classified as a second generation macrocyclic lactone. Moxidectin was developed by Medicines Development for Global Health and FDA approved in June 13, 2018.

Moxidectin is indicated for the treatment of river blindness, also called onchocerciasis, in patients aged 12 years and older. River blindness is caused by a parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus and it is manifested as severe itching, disfiguring skin conditions and visual impairment caused by the worm's larvae.

The transmission of Onchocerca volvulus is performed person to person by black flies that breed in fast-flowing rivers in sub-Saharan Africa, Yemen and South and Central America. The larvae released by the adult parasite invade skin and eyes where they can produce the severe disease manifestations.