TI Pharma, Merck KGaA, Astellas Pharma and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) have entered into an international public-private partnership (PPP) to develop new pediatric formulation of praziquantel for the treatment of schistosomiasis in preschool children.

The objective of the partnership is to develop a formulation of praziquantel more suited to young children.

Merck Serono, the biopharmaceutical division of Merck, global drug development and medical head, and appointed consortium president Annalisa Jenkins said the partners of the public-private partnership are all committed to bringing the much needed therapy against schistosomiasis for young children.

"The resources and expertise brought into this consortium will ultimately support scientific and medical innovation and contribute to the development of the next generation of treatments," Jenkins added.

Under the PPP, Merck develops and produces praziquantel tablets while Astellas Pharma leverages its pharmaceutical technologies to help improve convenience of use and functionality through the removal of praziquantel's bitter taste.

Swiss TPH will contribute its experience in biological and pharmacological helminths research and its clinical research on the efficacy and effectiveness of drugs in endemic areas, generally low resource environments.

TI Pharma is the independent partner which will facilitate the governance of the new project for Schistosomiasis, a chronic disease caused by parasitic worms.