Caused by similar parasites, Leishmaniasis, human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) and Chagas disease share an urgent need for more effective treatments. Partners under the NMTRYPI project have come up with a new drug candidate that could considerably improve patient outcomes.
In countries where three diseases are endemic, patients have very few reasons to take comfort. The current chemotherapies for trypanosomatidic infections are highly toxic and often lead to relapses. Drugs used to combat Leishmaniasis have many shortcomings and are also used in animals, raising concerns over potential resistances. Chagas drugs were introduced over 40 years ago with no improvement since.
Further details: Towards new treatment options for trypanosomatidic infections