Four years into a 20-year international campaign against the disfiguring disease known as elephantiasis, nearly 80 million people who are at risk have begun to be protected, raising hopes that the sickness can be eliminated, according to a report released Monday. Studies have shown a simple two-drug, once-yearly treatment is 99 percent effective against lymphatic filariasis, or LF, the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis said in its report. The disease can cause the enlargement and disfigurement of the arms, legs and genitals known as elephantiasis. Two of the drugs are being donated by their manufacturers: GlaxoSmithKline is providing albendazole, and Merck & Co. Inc. is giving Mectizan. Both companies are members of the alliance.
