By Yusuff Moshood –
Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc has launched a new antihelminthic (deworming agent), Pyrantrin Choco.
The new drug, a chocolate flavoured variant of Pyrantrin, a brand of Pyrantel Pamoate, was unveiled during an official media launch held last December, at Neimeth head office in Lagos.
Speaking with Pharmanews at the event, the corporate communications manager of Neimeth, Chinenye Okoronkwo, stated that Pyrantrin Choco, the first deworming agent in the Nigerian pharmaceutical market with a chocolate flavour, was formulated to effectively expel the six commonly occurring intestinal worms, including roundworm, hookworm and threadworm.
The new drug, she said, works by effecting instant neuromuscular blockage of worms, which induces paralysis and consequent excretion of the worms through peristalsis. “With this,” she noted, “the drug obviates the possibilities of worm migration/excitation, which are characteristic of some other deworming agents. This way, negative consequences (e.g. worms coming out through the mouth or nose etc) are averted.”
The Neimeth communications manager stated further that Pyrantrin Choco is the outcome of dedicated and consistent research and development efforts aimed at giving consumers flexibility of choice and enhancing therapeutic compliance in children, due to its pleasant taste.
She assured that the launch of Pyrantrin Choco would help change the face of antihelminthic prescription in Nigeria as patients' positive compliance with therapeutic specifications would help reduce the overall worm burden on the society and prevent negative health consequences of worms infestation, which could be life threatening.
She further stated that Pyrantrin Choco is packaged in consumer attractive eco-friendly packs, which add immense value to the global fight for the preservation of the environment through eco-friendly practices.
Dignitaries present at the launch were Pharm. Emmanuel Ekunno, managing director/CEO, Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc; Mr Christ Emeje, the finance director; and Dr. Nkeiruka Asumah of the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta, Lagos, among others.
Worm infestation is a global problem. It is generally fuelled by poverty and other socio-economic constraints.
