Eisai supplies DEC tablets to WHO

In its endeavor to help WHO in its global effort to help eliminate lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) in the targeted developing and emerging countries, Eisai has agreed to supply 2.2 billion DEC tablets freely to WHO for use in national mass drug administration (MDA) programs.

Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a parasitic disease transmitted to humans by mosquito bites.

Currently, an estimated 120 million people are already affected and more than 1.4 billion people are at risk of this disease, globally.

The company said that an estimated 6.25 million people living in at-risk communities will benefit from MDA programs.

The Pacific Island nations of Papua New Guinea, Kiribati, Tuvalu and Fiji have been confirmed as the first countries to receive the initial shipment, said the company's press release on Tuesday.