Projets soutenus

Infections with nematodes compose the largest part of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) with an estimated 1.5 billion infections. The NTD roadmap by the WHO aims to eradicate NTDs by 2030. To move towards this goal, new affective, affordable and accessible drugs are needed. In filariasis, to interrupt transmission and eradicate the disease, drugs need to sterilise or kill the long-lived (10-15 years) adult worms. One approach is to repurpose an already available drug for use in humans. One such molecule is Oxfendazole (OXF), currently used in veterinary treatment of helminth infections. This pan-nematode drug candidate, shown in pre-clinical trials to be a potent macrofilaricide, active against at least 3 filariae (Litomosoides sigmodontis, Loa loa and Mansonella perstans) could be a solution without additional investment. OXF belongs to the Benzimidazoles, known tubulin inhibitors. Its specific mode of action on parasite tubulin and the consequences of a disrupture in the tubulin network in the parasites are not known.