The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate a fixed-dose co-formulation (FDC) of ivermectin and albendazole for the treatment of all Soil Transmitted helminths (STH). The current strategy to control STH in endemic areas is mass administration of albendazole or mebendazole, mainly to pre-school and school-aged children.
Although this treatment works well for some STH species, efficacy against Trichuris trichiura is poor and it is not effective Strongyloides stercoralis. Thus new drugs or drug combinations are an urgent priority to increase the effectiveness of control programmes. Furthermore, the World Health Organisation has recommended combination therapy of ivermectin with albendazole. The trial proposed, is an adaptive phase II/III trial where the phase II component will evaluate the safety of the FDC as a single dose or 3-day single dose regimen for the treatment of T. trichiura in paediatric population. After analysis of the safety results the phase III trial will be executed to evaluate the efficacy of the FDC as a single dose or 3-day single dose regimen compared to the standard single dose regimen of ALB (400 mg) for the treatment of T. trichiura, hookworm and S. stercoralis in paediatric and young adult population. The estimated total sample size for the adaptive design (phase II and III component) is 1223 participants. Of these, 126 will be enrolled in the phase II and 1097 in the phase III components respectively in an adaptive trial design.
Who can participate
Age range
5 Years – 18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Positive infection test by microscopy for at least one of the following STH: T. trichiura, hookworms and/or larvae of S. stercoralis.
* Weight ≥15 Kg.
* Male or female, aged 5 to 18 years.
* Female participants who are ≥12 years old (or female post menarche) must have a negative urine pregnancy test at screening or at the time of randomization.
* Ability to take oral medication and willingness to comply with all study procedures.
* Parental acceptance to participate in the study by obtaining a signed and dated informed consent form approved by the Regulatory authorities. In addition, verbal assent will be obtained from children aged 12-18 years.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Intake of ALB, mebendazole and/or IVM, or any potentially interacting drug three months before screening.
* Residence outside the study area or planning to move away in the four weeks following recruitment.
* Epidemiological risk of infection by Loa loa.
* Serious medical illness, per investigator's criteria.
* Any participant's condition that would prevent the appropriate evaluation and followup, as per investigator's criteria.
* Known hypersensitivity to any components of either of the study treatment.
* Positive pregnancy urine test, pregnant or first week postpartum.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.