Knowledge

A New Clinical Study to Improve the Treatment of Leprosy and Prevent its Harmful Side Effects

A New Clinical Study to Improve the Treatment of Leprosy and Prevent its Harmful Side Effects
  • Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Madagascar Country
  • 866.743,70 € Investment
  • 2022-26 Length

The Challenge

Hansen’s disease, also known as leprosy, is a chronic infectious Neglected Tropical Disease which can, in addition – if not treated correctly – lead to a series of disabilities and can result in rejection and stigma for sufferers.

Currently, the treatment available for one of the most common complications – erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) – can lead to serious long-term side effects and is of limited effectiveness. The main goal of this project, therefore, is precisely to improve the treatment.

The solution

To do so, a clinical trial will be conducted together with Medicines Development for Global Health (MDGH) and the Raoul Follereau Foundation.

It will be carried out in a number of research centres in various countries and its aim will be to assess the effectiveness and safety of an innovative treatment for ENL called CC-11050. If the study proves successful, it will improve the protocol for dealing with these cases of leprosy.

Impact

Via this study, we will enhance capacity-building, strengthen active integrated case detection, as well as enable early detection and accurate diagnoses. It will also have an indirect impact on the healthcare system and community healthcare networks.

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