Ivermectin

profits before the people and it could possibly result in a negative backlash from the media. If Merck were to pursue such a route, measures could still be taken to potentially help the victims of river blindness. Merck could release its research on ivermectin to other drug companies, allowing them the

company Merck only has responsibilities to release effective and safe medications and to make a profit to stay in business. On the other hand, it could be argued that as a pharmaceutical company Merck has special obligations to follow leads (like ivermectin) because they may greatly benefit human beings or save lives despite being unprofitable. Utilitarianism is relevant to the Merck Co. case in that it would have been important for Merck to predict whether researching the drug further, or

to put an effort to make it happen, at least try one’s best. In this case, river blindness disease was a very serious problem, and Dr. Vagelos was the one who could make a decision as to whether the research and development of a human version of ivermectin should be carried on, then it was his responsibility to pursue it. Caused by a parasitic worm carried by a tiny black fly, the disease brought about visual impairment and skin lesions to millions of people. The World Health Organization (WHO)

Swarnalata, 2005), and tribendimidine (Steinmann et al., 2008) are the most widely used best treatment available for the uncomplicated infections. However, with advancing knowledge the current treatment options include thiabendazole, albendazole and ivermectin (Grove, 1996; Igual-Adell

Davies found that when given to mice, Ivermectin blocked the effects of alcohol on receptors in the brain, thereby blocking cravings, the tendency to seek out alcohol and the rewarding effects of the alcohol. Alcohol-dependent mice that were given Ivermectin where found to drink almost 50 percent less alcohol than those who were not given the drug. This significant and promising finding could see

their research team to continue or discontinue their research to find a cure for River Blindness. I must answer several question before arriving at my final decision. Questions such as: should as a company invest more time and money into developing ivermectin into a drug that is safe for humans knowing it will likely never be profitable, or should I put a stop to any further research knowing that it could negatively impact profits? I will need to gather facts about the disease, define what ethical issues

Eliminating River Blindness in Ecuador You notice a figure sitting on a porch in the North-Western region of Ecuador. As you approach it appears to be an elderly man but as you approach him you notice that he has features that you have never seen before. His skin looks as if it has been draped onto his skeletal frame causing him to lose all age indicators. Your eyes reach his and he does not make eye contact, a clear indication that he is blind. You approach the lizard man and ask his age, he

one or two doses of ivermectin (200 ug per kilogram of body weight) result in cure rates equivalent to treatment with conventional topical medications. Efficacy rates from open-label studies of ivermectin for the treatment of classic scabies range from 76% to 100%. Safety profile of the drug is also good, and no serious adverse effects were noted in the treatment of large number children with scabies in the Solomon Islands. There is some observational evidence of ivermectin effectiveness in controlling

Benzyl alcohol lotion (5%) (Ulesfia lotion) is another effective method of treatment. Benzyl alcohol lotion (5%) kills live lice with aromatic alcohol and is safe for those six months and older. Benzyl alcohol lotion (5%) may irritate the skin. Ivermectin lotion (0.5%) (Sklice) is also used to

There currently exists only one treatment for the debilitating illness, ivermectin, which has been complained of for its side effects, which include fever, muscle pain, gland pain, swelling of the limbs and face, and serious allergic reactions (“River Blindness Resistance Fears”). In addition, recent concerns over the efficacy