Stibophen

Stibophen is an anthelmintic originally developed by Bayer that is used as a treatment for schistosomiasis by intramuscular injection. It is classified as a trivalent antimony compound. Brand names include Fouadin/Fuadin.

Mechanism of action

Stibophen inhibits the enzyme phosphofructokinase, which the worms need for glycolysis, at least partly by binding to the sulfhydryl group of the enzyme. Inhibiting glycolysis paralyzes the worms, which lose their hold on the wall of mesenteric veins and undergo hepatic shift, die, and are phagocytosed by liver cells.