Tom Siegenthaler’s MBZ Story 2025

Tom Siegenthaler’s MBZ Story: A Pharmacist’s Journey into Repurposed Medication Research

Sometimes, the most meaningful chapters in healthcare begin with a patient’s question.

For Tom Siegenthaler, founder and pharmacist of Pharmacy Solutions, one patient’s request opened the door to years of research into mebendazole, also known as MBZ. Traditionally used as an antiparasitic medication, mebendazole has also been studied in medical literature for its potential role in oncology drug repurposing.

Tom’s interest in MBZ began with a simple goal: to help a patient better understand the available research and have a more informed conversation with their healthcare team.

Tom Siegenthaler’s Story

“My involvement in researching the drug mebendazole, or MBZ, started with a question and request from a patient who had cancer. This patient asked me if I could help them with information on mebendazole and its use in cancer research.

As I started looking at the science behind MBZ, I was surprised by the amount of medical literature available on this subject. The more I researched, the more information I found regarding the role MBZ has been studied for across different types of cancer.

My journey into this area started with a patient’s request and has led me to one of the most meaningful aspects of my 45-year career as a pharmacist. Working with patients who are exploring their options has been truly rewarding. Being able to provide information that is grounded in published research so patients can have more informed discussions with their medical providers is deeply gratifying.

The guiding principles for me in this area of my practice are to do the patient no harm, provide information responsibly, and never offer false hope. Those principles continue to guide how I approach MBZ and other repurposed drug research.”

What Is Mebendazole?

Mebendazole is an antiparasitic medication approved for certain gastrointestinal worm infections. In recent years, researchers have also studied mebendazole as a potential candidate for drug repurposing in oncology. Drug repurposing involves studying existing medications for possible new uses beyond their original approved purpose.

Early research has explored how mebendazole may affect cellular pathways involved in cancer biology, including microtubule activity, angiogenesis, and cellular stress responses. However, it is important to understand that research interest does not mean a medication is proven or approved as a cancer treatment.

Why Repurposed Medication Research Matters

Repurposed medication research can be an important area of scientific exploration because existing drugs may already have known safety profiles, dosing history, and manufacturing pathways. This can help researchers study whether a medication may have potential in a new clinical setting.

In oncology, repurposed drugs are sometimes studied as possible supportive or adjunctive options. However, any use of these medications should be discussed with a licensed physician, oncologist, or qualified healthcare provider.

Patients should never start, stop, or replace prescribed cancer treatment without medical supervision.

A Pharmacist’s Role in Patient Education

At Pharmacy Solutions, our role is not to replace a physician or oncologist. Our role is to help patients and providers access accurate information, understand medication options, and support prescribed treatment plans when appropriate.

For Tom, MBZ research became meaningful because it reflected what pharmacy care can do at its best: listen carefully, research responsibly, and support patients with compassion.

Patients facing serious diagnoses often have questions. They may want to understand published research, explore medication options, or learn how a compounding pharmacy may support their provider’s plan. Pharmacy Solutions is here to help guide those conversations with care and responsibility.

Guidance Without False Hope

Cancer care is complex, personal, and best managed by a qualified oncology team. While mebendazole has been studied for potential oncology-related applications, it is not FDA-approved as a cancer treatment.

Tom’s commitment is rooted in responsible support. That means helping patients understand available research while being clear about what is known, what is still being studied, and what must be decided with a physician.

Talk to Pharmacy Solutions

If you have questions about mebendazole, repurposed medication research, or how Pharmacy Solutions can assist with provider-directed prescriptions, our team is here to help.

We encourage patients to speak with their oncologist or healthcare provider before considering any medication as part of their care plan.

Contact Pharmacy Solutions today to learn more about our pharmacy services and how our team supports informed, patient-centered care.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Mebendazole is not FDA-approved as a cancer treatment. Always consult your physician, oncologist, or qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or treatment plan.