moxidectin

Description: Moxidectin (CL301423; Milbemycin B; trade name: Moxidectin) is an anthelmintic drug that has been used in animals to prevent or control parasitic worms (helminths), such as heartworm and intestinal worms, in dogs, cats, horses, cattle and sheep. Moxidectin has also been approved by US FDA on 6/13/2018 for use in human in the treatment of onchocerciasis due to Onchocerca volvulus in patients aged 12 years and older. Moxidectin is predicted to be a helpful tool to achieve elimination goals of this disease. Moxidectin kills some of the most common internal and external parasites by selectively binding to a parasite's glutamate-gated chloride ion channels. These channels are vital to the function of invertebrate nerve and muscle cells; when moxidectin binds to the channels, it disrupts neurotransmission, resulting in paralysis and death of the parasite.

References: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2000, 217 (5): 668–71.