Merck announced it will extend its Mectizan® (ivermectin) donation program—providing up to 100 million treatments each year until 2030—as part of the strategy to eradicate lymphatic filariasis (LF) through the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended triple-therapy initiative. This marks over 38 years of commitment, during which more than 5 billion treatments have been donated.
LF, also known as elephantiasis, is a mosquito-borne parasitic disease affecting millions in tropical regions, causing disability and stigma. Merck said the extension underlines its belief that elimination is within reach—if sustained treatment and infrastructure can be maintained. The company also emphasised partnerships with national health programs and community networks in endemic countries. Public-health analysts note this is one of the most significant private-sector commitments in neglected-tropical-disease history.