A few ethical issues in translational research for medicinal products discovery and development

Abstract

It is worldwide recognized that the use of pharmaceuticals for human and veterinary
purposes could lead to unsustainable effects on the environment. A strategy to reduce
the impact of pharmaceuticals on the environment has been recently established at European
level, where guidelines to evaluate the impacts of veterinary drugs used to treat
animal diseases are in place. The aim of this article is to focus on the worldwide used antiparasitic drug ivermectin (IVM) and its potential impact on the environment. A specific
section is related to the IVM resistance that the massive use of this drug could generate
enhancing the risk scenarios also for human health. The application of stringent measures
for the veterinary use of this substance, in line with the recommendations provided
by International frameworks such as One Health and EcoHealth, is recommended.