#Japan #Tokyo #Global Health #GHIT Fund #Praziquantel

GHIT Fund's Groundbreaking Achievement in Global Health

The Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund has recently announced a significant achievement in the realm of public health: the first administration of arpraziquantel, a new treatment for schistosomiasis, to preschool-aged children in Uganda. This milestone marks a crucial advancement in the fight against a disease that has long posed a threat to millions of children in regions where the infection is prevalent.

Developed by the Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium, arpraziquantel is being introduced through the Consortium's ADOPT program. This program is committed to integrating the new treatment into existing healthcare systems in African countries burdened by schistosomiasis. As noted by Osamu Kunii, CEO of GHIT Fund, this achievement represents the culmination of dedicated global collaboration, uniting various partners over a decade to bring innovative solutions to those in need.

Understanding Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, affects approximately 250 million people worldwide, with around 50 million of them being preschool-aged children in sub-Saharan Africa. Left untreated, this poverty-related parasitic disease can result in serious health complications, including anemia, chronic organ inflammation, stunted growth, and cognitive impairment, which can severely affect children's learning abilities.

Prior to the introduction of arpraziquantel, there was a noticeable gap in child-friendly treatment options for younger children, leaving many at risk. The Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium's efforts to fill this void have resulted in a much-needed solution, emphasizing the importance of early intervention in combating schistosomiasis and enhancing the long-term wellbeing of affected children.

The Development Journey of Arpraziquantel

The development of arpraziquantel is a testament to the innovative spirit of the global medical community. Astellas Pharma, a founding member of the Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium, played a pivotal role in formulating this drug. The formulation of arpraziquantel was optimized for taste and stability, creating a user-friendly, water-dispersible tablet suitable for young children. Merck, a key player in the collaboration, also contributed to the optimization and manufacturing processes, which have been essential for producing clinical trial supplies.

Dr. Kunii emphasizes that the Japanese innovation inherent in arpraziquantel's development exemplifies the GHIT Fund's mission: leveraging international partnerships to revolutionize global health. Over the past ten years, the GHIT Fund has provided consistent support for the development of arpraziquantel, focusing not just on the drug's creation but also on the establishment of sustainable access mechanisms in the regions where it is needed most.

Future Implications and Access Plans

In collaboration with the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), GHIT Fund is now co-funding the implementation of arpraziquantel through the ADOPT Program. This program is piloting different implementation strategies in countries like Côte d'Ivoire, Uganda, and Kenya. The lessons learned from these nations are expected to inform wider access strategies across the continent and beyond.

The successful integration of arpraziquantel into healthcare systems depends on addressing various elements at the country level, including policy and regulatory frameworks, implementation models, and domestic resource mobilization. Experts, including Dr. Isaac Chikwanha of GHIT Fund, acknowledge the critical nature of these preparations to facilitate the uptake and rollout of the treatment.

Recognition and Approval

Arpraziquantel received a favorable scientific opinion from the European Medicines Agency in December 2023 and was prequalified by the World Health Organization in May 2024. The upcoming recognition of arpraziquantel in the WHO's Essential Medicines List in 2025 is anticipated to further solidify its role in combating schistosomiasis, particularly among preschool children.

Conclusion

The introduction of arpraziquantel is set to change the landscape of schistosomiasis treatment for preschool-aged children, ensuring that this vulnerable population receives the necessary care to thrive. This important milestone demonstrates the power of global collaboration in addressing complex health challenges and paves the way for future innovations that can further improve child health outcomes worldwide.

For more information, visit GHIT Fund and the Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium.