What it is
Arpraziquantel is the first child-friendly medicine in an oro-dispersible formulation to treat and cure schistosomiasis. It is easy to administer and adapted for rural and tropical settings, offering high efficacy with minimal side effects.
Why it matters
Schistosomiasis affects around 240 million people worldwide and severely harms children’s physical and cognitive development. This innovation could protect and improve the lives of 50 million children currently at risk.
The story
Schistosomiasis, a neglected infectious disease (NID) caused by blood flukes, is a debilitating disease that can be fatal and is linked to liver and kidney failure, bladder cancer, extrauterine pregnancy, anaemia, and stunted growth in children. It affects an estimated 240 million people worldwide, with more than 700 million at risk, predominantly children and women in poor, rural communities.
The Paediatric Praziquantel Consortium, co-funded by EDCTP and the Global Health Innovative Technology Fund (GHIT Fund), has developed arpraziquantel, a schistosomiasis medicine for children (3 months–6 years).[1] The tablet dissolves in water, has improved taste, and is designed to withstand tropical climates, making treatment safer, more effective, and easier to administer. In January 2025, the European Medicines Agency issued a positive scientific opinion,[2] paving the way for WHO approval and introduction in endemic countries.
In parallel, the ADOPT project,[3] co-funded by EDCTP and GHIT Fund, is supporting the rollout of arpraziquantel in Africa, focusing on ensuring equitable and sustainable access to this critical medicine.
Global Health EDCTP3 continues to support efforts to tackle schistosomiasis, including among women[4] and improving implementation strategies.[5] Further work is also needed to strengthen procurement and funding mechanisms for NID treatments, ensuring these essential health technologies remain affordable and accessible across sub-Saharan Africa.
Sources:
[1] The Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium | Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium & Completion of Phase III trial paediatric schistosomiasis drug arpraziquantel - EDCTP
[2] New treatment for young children with parasitic disease schistosomiasis | European Medicines Agency (EMA)
[3] GHIT and EDCTP co-invest additional €7.8 million in access programme for treatment of schistosomiasis in preschool-aged children - EDCTP
[4] (W)Initiative for womeN and GirlS affected by Female Genital Schistosomiasis | WINGS-4-FGS | Project | Fact Sheet | HORIZON | CORDIS | European Commission
[5] Integrated Anthelmintic-Based control of Taenia solium cysticercosis/taeniasis, Soil-transmitted Helminthiasis and Schistosomiasis: safety, effectiveness and implementation strategies | 3SI-CONTROL | Project | Fact Sheet | HORIZON | CORDIS | European Commission
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Our added value for Europe
EDCTP boosts Europe’s competitiveness by advancing research excellence, innovation, and public–private cooperation in global health. By supporting late-stage development and Africa–Europe partnerships, it bridges the EU innovation gap and creates new market and investment opportunities.
EDCTP strengthens Europe’s health security by tackling climate-sensitive diseases and antimicrobial resistance, enhancing surveillance, and accelerating medical countermeasures. Its rapid crisis responses, from Ebola to COVID-19, show its agility in protecting Europe and global health.
EDCTP drives Europe’s science diplomacy through fair Africa–Europe partnerships that tackle global health challenges. Its equitable governance and ethical research practices strengthen EU credibility and global influence.
EDCTP strengthens Europe’s leadership in digital health by investing in AI, data, and digital technologies while training researchers in fields like bioinformatics and genomic epidemiology.
EDCTP advances the EU’s human rights goals by promoting ethical, inclusive research that addresses unmet medical needs. It ensures innovations reach vulnerable populations while strengthening local scientific and health systems.
Our added value for Africa
EDCTP improves health and prosperity in Africa by funding clinical research, strengthening local capacities, and empowering African scientists. Its investments reduce the burden of infectious diseases, boost productivity, and support sustainable development across the continent.
EDCTP builds Africa’s capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to outbreaks through training, research, and strong partnerships. Its work accelerates vaccine and diagnostic development and reinforces the continent’s health resilience.
EDCTP strengthens Africa’s clinical research ecosystem by investing in skills, infrastructure, and regulatory systems. Initiatives like CTCAN and PACTR connect researchers and regulators, expanding quality trials and fostering local leadership.
EDCTP strengthens Africa-led health partnerships with organisations like Africa CDC and WHO AFRO, aligning research and investment with continental priorities. As an AU–EU Innovation Agenda partner, it builds skills, fosters co-investment, and drives sustainable cooperation.
EDCTP promotes health equity by developing practical solutions for underserved communities, including newborns and children, women, urban poor and rural communities. It funds accessible technologies and digital tools that expand healthcare reach and improve outcomes for those most in need.