Eisai to donate lymphatic filariasis drug to WHO

Eisai is to provide the World Health Organization (WHO) with free access to diethylcarbamazine (DEC), a primary medicine for the treatment of lymphatic filariasis.

The company has signed a statement of intent which will see it produce and supply the WHO with up to 2.2 billion 100 mg tablets between 2012 and 2017, in order to help address epidemics of the disease across the world.

It marks the first time a Japanese-based pharmaceuticals manufacturer has entered into a partnership with the WHO to help combat neglected tropical diseases, which represent a prevalent global health issue.

Lymphatic filariasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes and is estimated to affect around 120 million people living in 81 countries around the world.

Dr Margaret Chan, director general of the WHO, said: "Eisai's commitment to provide DEC greatly improves prospects for interrupting the transmission of lymphatic filariasis."

Earlier this month, Eisai entered into a partnership with Forma Therapeutics, which will provide Eisai with access to new technology to support its drug discovery activities.