Levamisole as an Experimental Immunomodulating Agent

Abstract

Tetramisole, the parent compound of levamisole, was discovered in Belgium in the early 1960's. Tetramisole was first marketed as a veterinary anthelmintic in Belgium in 1965. A year later it was introduced as a human anthelmintic in Brazil.

American Cyanamid scientists were successful in separating the optical isomers of tetramisole. The levorotatory isomer, levamisole, was found to be the active anthelmintic portion. The levamisole portion had a much wider margin of safety and lower dosages were required than for tetramisole.