Efficacy of Novel Formulations of Ivermectin and Albendazole in Parasitic Infections of Sheep in the Altai Mountains of Russia

Synthesis and Clinical Examination of Novel Formulations of Ivermectin, Albendazole and Niclosamide for the Treatment of Equine Gastrointestinal Helminthoses

Background

This study aimed to develop new complex preparations of ivermectin, niclosamide and albendazole based on solid-phase mechanochemical technology, and to evaluate their efficacy against equine nematodosis and cestodosis.

Methods

Novel formulation of antiparasitic paste were prepared using joint mechano-chemical treatment of ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg bodyweight; BW), niclosamide (10 mg/kg BW) and albendazole (3, 5, 10 mg/kg BW) substances with polyvinylpyrrolidone and arabinogalactan. For the evaluation of activity of different doses of formulations against gastrointestinal tract helminths a total of 151 adult horses of the Novoaltai breed weighing 450-500 kg naturally infected with strongyles (>150 egg per gram of faeces, EPG), Parascaris spp. (>20 EPG) and Anoplocephala spp. (>10 EPG) were selected. Antiparasitic pastes were orally fed to the horses and faecal egg count reduction counts were compared prior to and 14 days after the treatment.

Results

Pastes with mechanically modified ivermectin showed 91.4-100% efficacy against strongyles and Parascaris. Pastes with modified albendazole and niclosamide were also effective against Anoplocephala in all tested dosages i.e. 78.6-100%. In particular, treatment with two formulations containing i) 0.2 mg ivermectin, 10 mg albendazole, 10 mg niclosamide, and ii) 0.2 mg ivermectin, 3 mg albendazole showed 100% efficacy against strongyles, Parascaris and Anoplocephala.

Conclusion

Solid-phase mechanochemical technology could be applied in equine anthelminthics production. It is suggested that future studies focus on plasma concentration-time profile of these highly effective pastes.

Ivermectin: recent approaches in the design of novel veterinary and human medicines

Ivermectin (IVM) is a drug widely used in veterinary and human medicine for the management of parasitic diseases. Its repositioning potential has been recently considered for the treatment of different diseases, such as cancer and viral infections. However, IVM faces some limitations to its formulations due to its low water solubility and bioavailability, along with reports of drug resistance. In this sense, novel technological approaches have been explored to optimize its formulations and/or to develop innovative medicines. Therefore, this review discusses the strategies proposed in the last decade to improve the safety and efficacy of IVM and to explore its novel therapeutic applications. Among these technologies, the use of micro/nano-drug delivery systems is the most used approach, followed by long-acting formulations. In general, the development of these novel formulations seems to run side by side in veterinary and human health, showing a shared interface between the two areas. Although the technologies proposed indicate a promising future in the development of innovative dosage forms containing IVM, its safety and therapeutic targets must be further evaluated. Overall, these approaches comprise tailoring drug delivery profiles, decreasing the risks of developing drug resistance, and supporting the application of IVM for reaching different therapeutic targets.