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Product Profile - Overview

 
NECT

NECT = Nifurtimox-Eflornithine Combination Therapy

NECT is the first new, improved treatment option in 25 years for stage 2 (advanced stage) human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) also known as sleeping sickness. It consists of a simplified coadministration of nifurtimox, which is given orally, and eflornithine, which is given intravenously.

  • Launched in 2009
  • Included  in the Essential Medicines List (EML) of the WHO since 2009
  • Much safer than Melarsoprol, a highly toxic, arsenic-based drug that kills 5% of treated patients, still used in 50% of patients.
  • Compared to eflornithine monotherapy, the best previously available treatment for stage 2 HAT, NECT is:
    • As effective
    • Safer
    • Easier to administer
    • More cost-effective
    • Requests shorter hospitalisation
  • The result of a six-year partnership between NGOs, governments, pharmaceutical companies, and the WHO.
  • Donated by Sanofi and Bayer Schering Pharma AG
  • Available in 12 African countries that account for 99% of reported HAT cases
  • More than 6'000 treatments distributed

Download NECT dossier in English [PDF 350KB]
Téléchargez le dossier NECT en français [PDF 317KB]
Read more about NECT project
 NECT News
Implementation progress
Available in 12 African countries

Request supply signed by Congo and Guinea
Recent Scientific PublicationsPLos NTD, May 2009
NECT Is Next: Implementing the New Drug Combination Therapy for Trypanosoma brucei gambiense Sleeping Sickness
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