Ivermectin for the treatment of blepharitis

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  The effect of oral Ivermectin on Demodex associated blepharitis

• IRAS ID

  23868

• Contact name

  Damian Lake

• Sponsor organisation

  Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

• Eudract number

  2009-013276-46

• ISRCTN Number

  N/A

• Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

  N/A

• Research summary

  Ivermectin is a synthetic derivative of broad spectrum antiparasitic class of macrocyclic lactones known as avermectins. It exerts its antiparasitic effect by stimulating the release of ?-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a peripheral neurotransmitter in susceptible parasites, which block the nerve impulse conduction and paralysis and death of the parasites ensues. Ivermectin is used as a treatment for Scabies and Onchocerciasis, among other pathologies, and there were few case reports of using the oral Ivermectin for the treatment of resistant and chronic blepharoconjunctivitis and facial rosacea with success. We plan to investigate whether oral Ivermectin treatment would reduce the number of Demodex Folliculorum infesting the eyelashes follicles, and whether there would be a subjective improvement of symptoms. Ivermectin is an unlicensed drug in the UK, however it is available from Ó?special-order? manufacturers or specialist importing companies. This will therefore be a Phase IV Clinical Trial. Approval has been granted from the MHRA to conduct the study. The Ivermectin would be ordered by our hospital pharmacy, and will be labelled with the patient name and the clinical trial number and with the dose of the tablets need to be taking. The labelling has already been sent to the MHRA and was approved.

• REC name

  London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  09/H1107/109

• Date of REC Opinion

  5 Feb 2010

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion