Breakthrough research suggests ivermectin could treat multiple sclerosis amid growing advocacy for repurposed medicines
By willowt // 2025-08-19
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  • A new study shows ivermectin reduces symptoms in an MS mouse model by modulating immune cells.
  • The drug’s efficacy is linked to its ability to regulate T-cells and the IL-2/STAT5 pathway.
  • Anecdotal success stories from patient communities highlight uses for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and autoimmune diseases.
  • Critics allege suppressed research due to pharmaceutical industry interference.
  • Scientists call for further human trials to validate findings and explore drug repurposing potential.
In a potential shift for treating autoimmune diseases, a groundbreaking study reveals that ivermectin — a widely known antiparasitic drug — may alleviate multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms by modulating immune cells in the brain. Published in EMBO Molecular Medicine, the research demonstrates that ivermectin reduced inflammation and spurred nerve repair in a mouse model of MS. Concurrently, patient advocacy groups and independent researchers have been documenting anecdotal successes using the drug to address conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and inflammatory diseases, arguing it merits expanded clinical exploration despite systemic challenges.

The science: How ivermectin may target autoimmune disease mechanisms

The study, led by researchers at the Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience including Dr. María Domercq, tested ivermectin on mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a condition mimicking MS in humans. The team found the drug inhibited pro-inflammatory T-cells (Th1 and Th17) while boosting regulatory T-cells (Tregs), critical for suppressing immune overactivity. Researchers also noted an increase in IL-2—a cytokine that regulates immunity — and activation of the IL-2/STAT5 signaling pathway, both linked to disease attenuation. “[Ivermectin] is a potential candidate among currently used drugs to promote myelin repair,” the authors concluded, emphasizing its ability to reduce inflammation and remyelinate nerve cells — key processes damaged in MS. This research builds on prior evidence of ivermectin’s broader therapeutic potential. A 2024 review in Cureus highlights its anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anticancer properties, citing its legacy since its discovery in 1975. Originally used to combat parasites like river blindness, the drug’s cost-effective nature and off-patent status have fueled grassroots advocacy, particularly for repurposing it in chronic and degenerative diseases.

Patient advocacy and anecdotal success stories

Patient-led communities, such as the blog 2nd Smartest Guy in the World, have long promoted ivermectin alongside fenbendazole and nutraceuticals for conditions like cancer and Alzheimer’s. One post details a subscriber-reported remission of arthritis and a stage-4 prostate cancer protocol utilizing these drugs. Such stories, though not peer-reviewed, underscore a growing demand for accessible alternatives to conventional treatments. The blog’s author, Dr. William Macis (a pseudonym), argues that suppressed studies and industry bias have hindered awareness. “Researchers at Stanford studied three stage-4 cancer patients who exhausted chemotherapy and used fenbendazole,” he writes, referencing a case series that sparked a Fenbendazole Cancer Support Group with over 110,000 members. While most compounds discussed lack FDA approval for these uses, advocates stress their affordability, with ivermectin costing as little as $1 per pill compared to high-cost biologics.

Controversy and industry criticism

Critics, including researchers and journalists like David Crowe, have accused pharmaceutical companies of blocking ivermectin’s use to protect lucrative treatments. During the pandemic, Merck — a manufacturer of ivermectin — advocated against its use for COVID-19 while developing mRNA vaccines. A 2023 article cited financial ties between Merck and Moderna as potential conflicts of interest. Dr. Macis claims these behaviors reflect a pattern of prioritizing profits over public health. “Pharma’s business model revolves around suppressing affordable, low-risk treatments,” he argues, referencing cases where doctors prescribing ivermectin faced license suspensions or legal action.

Looking ahead: Challenges and the need for transparency

While early studies are promising, the drug’s use for MS remains experimental. The EMBO Molecular Medicine study calls for human trials to validate results, cautioning that observed effects in mice may not translate. Meanwhile, a 2024 Cureus review notes gaps in understanding ivermectin’s mechanisms beyond parasites, urging expanded research. As debates over drug repurposing intensify, MS patients and advocates highlight ivermectin’s potential as a low-cost option in regions where specialty medications are inaccessible. “This story spotlights a critical question,” says Dr. Baneet Kaur, co-author of the Cureus paper. “How do we balance scientific rigor with centuries-old drugs that could address diseases conventional medicine struggles with?”

A call for transparency in drug repurposing and the need for rigorous studies

The evolving narrative around ivermectin — from worm treatment to neurodegenerative therapy — underscores the transformative potential of re-examining existing drugs. Yet its path to clinical adoption hinges on overcoming financial and institutional barriers. As research grows, patients and scientists alike urge policy shifts to prioritize evidence over profit, ensuring even off-patent therapies receive equitable study. For now, the drug remains a beacon of hope in a landscape where incurable diseases still dictate limitations. Sources for this article include: 2ndsmartestguyintheworld.com Cureus.com MultipleSclerosisNewsToday.com
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