What was the original purpose of ivermectin?

Ivermectin Iverheal 12mg , originally developed in the 1970s by scientists at Merck & Co., was initially intended as an antiparasitic drug. Its primary purpose was to combat parasitic infections in humans and animals, particularly those caused by soil-transmitted worms, such as river blindness (onchocerciasis) and lymphatic filariasis. Ivermectin works by disrupting the nervous system of parasites, leading to their paralysis and eventual death. The drug quickly gained recognition for its effectiveness in controlling these widespread and debilitating infections, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.

Due to its remarkable success in eradicating parasitic diseases, ivermectin has been included in several global health initiatives, like the World Health Organization’s (WHO) programs aimed at eliminating onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis. Its role in public health has been groundbreaking, significantly reducing the burden of these parasitic diseases in affected areas, making it one of the most widely used medications for parasitic infections around the world.