[Ivermectin. A new drug against onchocerciasis].

Ivermectin is a new drug for treatment of onchocerciasis. Experimental and clinical studies have shown that ivermectin is effective in the treatment of onchocerciasis when given as a single dose of 150 microgram/kilo bodyweight once a year. Ivermectin is registered as Mectizan and is at present supplied free of charge by Merck Sharp & Dohme for treatment programs in 11 developing countries.