Anti-filarial drug diethylcarbamazine in treatment of oral submucous fibrosis

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) has impacted over 5 million people worldwide and has had a significant role in mortality and morbidity due to its high malignant transformation rate. Because of the high prevalence of OSMF, there has been a rush to repurpose current medications. In the present paper, we discussed the use of diethylcarbamazine (DEC), an anti-filarial medication with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, in the treatment of OSMF. DEC's anti-fibrotic properties make it a viable treatment option for OSMF which not only reduces fibrosis but also decreases the malignant potential. The potential mechanism of action is discussed in detail.