Which is Better for Cancer Fenbendazole or Mebendazole?

Executive Summary

• This article evaluates a study that proposes Mebendazole is superior to Fenbendazole for both cancer treatment and human consumption.

Introduction

This evaluates an article that proposes Mebendazole is a better choice for treatment of cancer than Fenbendazole.

The following quotes are from the article Mebendazole vs. Fenbendazole: Why are cancer patients turning to veterinarians instead of their doctors?

This article was sent to us by a subscriber.

Understanding the Mechanisms of Action Against Cancer for the Different Drugs

Mebendazole, discovered in 1971 by Janssen Pharmaceutica, revolutionized the treatment of intestinal parasitic infections when it gained FDA approval in 1974.

Known for its ability to safely and effectively eliminate infections caused by pinworms, hookworms, and other intestinal parasites, Mebendazole quickly became a staple in global healthcare.

Statement to Analyze #1: The Cancers for Which Mebendazole Has Been Studied?

Mebendazole has been studied in both preclinical and clinical settings, demonstrating its potential in a range of cancers, including glioblastoma, triple-negative breast cancer, and colorectal cancer. Its mechanisms—disrupting microtubules, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting angiogenesis—are repetitive and well-documented.

Generalizing from Tested Cancers to Other Cancers

The topic of which cancers have been tested for Mebendazole or Fenbendazole is of critical importance.

Many of our subscribers will contact us to inquire about whether any of the drugs we cover have been studied for their specific type of cancer. One of the problems with this is that there are so many different types of cancer. Since no new patent is granted based on testing a generic drug (a drug that is off-patent), there is little financial incentive to conduct studies for generic drugs, such as Mebendazole and Fenbendazole. Additionally, it is worth noting that Mebendazole, Fenbendazole, and Ivermectin are all antiparasitic agents, and all are effective against certain types of cancer. It is not a coincidence that different antiparasitic drugs all demonstrate this anticancer benefit.

The Financial Incentives That Drive Which Drugs Have Clinical Trials Funded

The public wants drugs tested based on the likelihood that they will improve various medical conditions. However, that’s not how our research allocation is designed. Research monies are allocated based on the profitability of medicines, and the most profits are generated by drugs that can be patented, for which a monopoly is granted on the right to sell the new drug for several decades before the patent expires.

The Suppression of Off Patent Drugs by the Medical Establishment

This video discusses the situation in the UK, however the same situation applies in the US.

The patent system not only creates an incentive to exaggerate the benefits of new drugs, but it also creates an incentive for both pharmaceutical companies and the medical regulatory authorities they control to suppress information about the effectiveness of medications that are no longer under patent.

Understanding the Financial Incentives Created by the Patent System

This is why generic drugs like Mebendazole, Fenbendazole, and Ivermectin have not been approved for use in cancer. For a drug to be approved, it must have a pharmaceutical company willing to invest in and push it through the approval and licensing process. Without a patent, the financial incentive to do so does not exist. Pharmaceutical companies and the medical regulatory authorities they oversee have demonstrated a pattern of lying about the effectiveness of off-patent drugs.

The Example of AbbVie and Humira: Extending Patents and Keeping Drugs From Becoming Generics

Pharmaceutical companies attempt to extend their patents as much as possible. This video explains how they apply for multiple patents on a single drug. Here, AbbVie obtained 133 patents on Humira. Even with Humira now off patent, PBMs (Pharmacy Benefit Managers) have continued to place patients on Humira to maximize their rebates. The rebates are a type of bribe that a company like AbbVie can use to keep the PBM from moving to lower cost generic drugs.

Statement to Analyze #2: Mebendazole’s Safety Profile?

Decades of use in human populations for parasitic infections have established Mebendazole as a low-toxicity drug with minimal side effects, even at higher, sustained doses required in cancer treatment.

Yes I agree. However, Fenbendazole also has a history of human usage over decades with a good safety profile.

Statement to Analyze #3: Mebendazole Human Versus Animal Offerings?

Unregulated Formulations: Fenbendazole is not compounded for human use and may contain impurities, contaminents, and potency variability resulting in incorrect dosages, all which can pose health risks.

I would say this is overstated. Many cancer patients have successfully taken Fenbendazole.

Additionally, if this is true, then why have we heard of so few issues with Fenbendazole, both from publicly available information and from our subscribers, many of whom are taking Fenbendazole?

Statement to Analyze #4: The Similarity Between Fenbendazole and Mebendazole?

Fenbendazole, like Mebendazole, is a benzimidazole-class drug. However, it was developed for veterinary use, primarily to treat parasitic infections in animals. Fenbendazole works through a mechanism similar to Mebendazole: disrupting the microtubules of parasites, effectively halting their cellular functions and leading to their death.

Well, both drugs were initially developed as antiparasitics. They are highly similar drugs.

Statement to Analyze #5: Not Approved for Human Use While Fenbendazole is Not?

However, it is critical to note that Fenbendazole is not FDA-approved for human use and lacks the robust body of clinical research that supports Mebendazole use, including dose and frequency, and safety.

Mebendazole was FDA-approved in 1974 for human use and has been prescribed safely for decades to treat intestinal worm infections. Its extensive use in millions of patients worldwide has established a clear and well-documented safety record. This human-specific formulation ensures that dosages, bioavailability, and long-term effects are carefully studied and understood.

If the FDA is going to be brought into this. In that case, it is also necessary to note that Mebendazole, like Fenbendazole, is not FDA-approved for any use other than as an antiparasitic. Additionally, if a drug like Fenbendazole has been used safely for decades, is it necessary to obtain FDA approval for it to accept it? Because, as I explained earlier in the article, the FDA, as a representative of the financial interests of the pharmaceutical companies, has an incentive never to approve it, and no pharmaceutical company has an incentive to push for its approval.

The Context Within Which Mebendazole Got Approved for Human Use

Secondly, if the FDA had known that Mebendazole would later be used for treatments outside of its intended use as an antiparasitic, it’s doubtful that the FDA would have approved it for use in humans. In 1974, no one, including the FDA, had any idea that Mebendazole would eventually find a use outside of being an anti-parasitic and would be used for cancer treatment, which is so threatening to far more expensive and profitable drugs and cancer treatments.

Statement to Analyze #6: Fenbendazole is Experimental?

Its use in humans remains very off-label and experimental,

The use of Mebendazole to treat cancer is not any less off-label than Fenbendazole. Both are only approved by the FDA as antiparasitics.

Too many years have passed with Fenbendazole being successfully used against cancer to propose that Fenbendazole is experimental.

Our dosage calculations for Mebendazole and Fenbendazole are very close to each other. I have yet to see a good reason why the dosages should be significantly different. I will address the statement regarding standardized dosing in a later response.