In March 2025, Merck KGaA and the Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium announced that the first preschool-aged child in Uganda has received treatment with Arpraziquantel (R-PZQ) during an implementation study. This milestone marks a critical advancement in combating schistosomiasis, a devastating tropical disease.
Arpraziquantel, a 150mg dispersible tablet specifically designed for children aged 3 months to 6 years, is derived from the standard praziquantel therapy used for school-aged children and adults. Engineered for pediatric acceptability, it features a palatable taste and stability in hot, humid tropical climates – a vital characteristic enabling its widespread use in schistosomiasis-endemic regions.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) issued a positive scientific opinion on Arpraziquantel in December 2023, validating its safety and efficacy. By May 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) added the drug to its prequalification list, laying groundwork for global distribution. Arpraziquantel is expected to enter WHO’s Essential Medicines List in 2025, which would significantly enhance access to this life-saving treatment worldwide.
As the exclusive active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) supplier for Arpraziquantel, Yantal Valiant Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has driven the product’s development since March 2017. After achieving successful commercial-scale production in 2019, the company has continuously supplied high-quality API to global partners. This historic treatment milestone reflects years of collaborative effort, offering millions of preschool children newfound hope to grow free from schistosomiasis and secure healthier futures.
