To develop a child-friendly formulation of praziquantel for treating schistosomiasis specifically in preschool-aged children, addressing their unique needs.
Key Findings:
Praziquantel is effective for school-aged children but unsuitable for preschoolers due to large tablet size and bitter taste.
The new formulation received positive scientific opinion from EMA in December 2023 and WHO prequalification in May 2024, and was included in the WHO Essential Medicine List in September 2025.
The first treatments were administered in Uganda in March 2025.
Interpretation:
The tailored formulation addresses significant barriers to treatment adherence in young children, potentially reducing the public health burden of schistosomiasis and improving health outcomes.
Limitations:
Limited prior experience in pediatric medication development within Astellas may hinder rapid progress.
Challenges in taste perception across different populations could affect the formulation's acceptance.
Conclusion:
The development of a child-friendly praziquantel formulation represents a significant advancement in treating schistosomiasis in young children, with the potential to save lives and improve public health outcomes through collaborative efforts.
Narrative review linked lower vitamin D levels to greater myopia risk and higher omega-3 intake to lower risk, though outdoor exposure may explain the vitamin D association.
