In the context of the Merck Praziquantel Donation Program (MPDP), the development of praziquantel tablets is ongoing. We are in the process of optimizing the existing product through film coating, child-friendly flavors, and are working to reducing the tablet size and optimizing friability. Since the tablets are mainly administered to children between the ages of 6-15, the taste needs to be adapted to the likes of children. It has therefore been decided to apply a film coating with a fruit flavor. Further ongoing activities are focused on making the tablets easier to swallow for children and thereby increasing the acceptance rate.
Beyond these measures, we are expanding our schistosomiasis research program to develop a pediatric version of praziquantel for a group including pre-school children who are not treated today. To foster this process, we have started building a product-development
partnerships.
We believe that the most effective way to achieve progress and develop new approaches to fighting NTDs is to work through robust public-private partnerships, innovative alliances and adopt cross-cutting approaches in health and development. Besides our existing partnerships, we are open to engaging in new multilateral partnerships.
Within a partnership with the Tropical Disease Research (TDR) program of WHO, we are involved in the discovery and development of new treatment methods to fight malaria and schistosomiasis. Compound screening efforts have been taking place for schistosomiasis and malaria. A lead compound to treat malaria was identified in 2010. We are currently running a lead optimization program internally that has led to the preclinical testing of several resulting compounds. For schistosomiasis several hundred are being evaluated in first tests against the parasites.
Merck is sponsoring the salary of a post-doctoral scientist in Geneva to conduct research on malaria and schistosomiasis compounds and provides supervision, all drug discovery infrastructures (including labs, lab supply, access to assays at all research sites, access to compound collection) and access to advanced testing capabilities.
In addition, Merck has other R&D collaborations on neglected tropical diseases. One such collaboration is with the Imperial College in London, another with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute in Basel, Switzerland on schistosomiasis and malaria. Via the WHO parasite testing network Merck is entering into collaboration with the Theodor Bilharz Research Institute in Egypt. Merck is also participating in stakeholder dialogues and discussions with the African Network for Drugs and Diagnostics Innovation (ANDI) and is active in exploring new research activities and knowledge transfer to develop new treatments for diseases in developing countries via ANDI.
