Scabies

Scabies is one of the most common infectious skin conditions in the world, caused by a microscopic mite – Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis – that burrows into the skin and lays eggs, eventually triggering a host immune response that leads to intense itching and rash. Scabies infestation may result in bacterial infection, leading to more serious complications such as nephritis, rheumatic fever and sepsis. The burden of disease is particularly high in India, the Pacific Islands, and in Australia among Indigenous communities. In 2017, scabies was included in the World Health Organization’s list of neglected tropical diseases.

The current first-line treatment for scabies is a topical agent (applied to the skin) such as permethrin and benzyl benzoate. Oral ivermectin (an anti-parasitic) is usually reserved for more serious cases. The biggest drawback to using topical agents is their need to cover and remain on the entire body for between eight to 24 hours, depending on the agent and the severity of the infestation. Ivermectin therapy is approved for use in only a handful of countries and so is not accessible to the vast majority of people in need. In addition, ivermectin has a short half-life, which usually results in the need to administer a second dose to ensure mites hatching from eggs are eliminated.  

in 2022, Medicines Development for Global Health completed a Phase 2a study (MDGH-MOX-2001; NCT03905265) in 22 patients with scabies and achieved proof of concept, showing moxidectin kills the mites responsible for the disease (manuscript in preparation for publication).

In 2024, a Phase 2b study (MDGH-MOX-2002; NCT05875441) completed recruitment of 200 patients across sites in the United States and Central America. This study is evaluating the safety and efficacy of three different doses of moxidectin in treating scabies. Data from the study will inform selection of a suitable dose for Phase 3 clinical studies.

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