Researchers Launched Study on Ivermectin for Small Children
A new clinical trial is investigating ivermectin safety and efficacy in children weighing between 5 and 15 kilograms.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Children’s Health
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Should medical researchers focus on expanding existing drug indications for children?
An international research consortium has begun a four-year study to evaluate the use of ivermectin in children weighing 5 to 15 kilograms. This project aims to address a critical gap in public health programs that currently exclude young children due to limited safety data.
Why it matters
Current ivermectin-based programs for conditions like scabies and soil-transmitted helminth infections exclude children under 15 kilograms because there is insufficient evidence to support use in this weight range. This research seeks to provide the necessary data to expand treatment options for these young patients.
This four-year clinical research project evaluates the safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of generic ivermectin and a new 3mg orodispersible formulation in children weighing 5 to 15 kilograms. As a study in the early clinical phases, definitive results regarding its pediatric application are currently unknown.
The players
KCCR-KNUST
The Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology serves as the lead research center.
IVM-KIDS
This international research consortium facilitates an Africa-Europe partnership to coordinate clinical trials and regulatory activities.
European Union
The Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme provides the funding necessary for this multi-country clinical study.
The details
The IVM-KIDS project will test both generic ivermectin and a novel 3mg orodispersible formulation designed for easier administration. Researchers will assess how these treatments are absorbed and metabolized in small children while simultaneously evaluating the acceptability of the medication for both children and their caregivers. This systematic approach aims to generate robust data that could influence future regulatory decisions and expand therapeutic indications for these infections.
Timeline
Wednesday: The IVM-KIDS consortium held its maiden meeting in Accra.
2021-2030: Current WHO NTD Roadmap timeline for disease elimination.
Health Landscape
This research project aligns with the goals established in the WHO NTD Roadmap for global disease elimination. By focusing on pediatric dosing gaps, the study seeks to modernize the standard of care for parasitic infections in low-weight children.
This study aims to provide data that could eventually allow doctors to treat younger children for parasitic infections that are currently difficult to manage. Parents should discuss any concerns about child health and parasitic screenings with their pediatrician.
The takeaway
This research marks a significant effort to close the gap in pediatric treatment options for parasitic infections. If you have concerns about the health of a child, consult a qualified physician to understand currently approved treatment options and available evidence.
Further reading
For more information on pediatric wellness, visit our Children’s Health section.
Live Poll
Should medical researchers focus on expanding existing drug indications for children?
