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[Leishmaniasis--oral treatment with hexadecylphosphocholine]
Wolfgang Bommer1, Hans J Eibl, Kirsten R Engel
1Institut für Allgemeine Hygiene der Universität Göttingen/Tropenmedizinisches Beratungszentrum, Göttingen, Deutschland. info@labor-wagnerstibbe.de
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift
|February 3, 2005
Summary
Hexadecylphosphocholine (HDPC), also known as Miltefosine, shows high efficacy as an oral antiparasitic treatment for leishmaniasis. This drug demonstrates over 90% cure rates with minimal side effects in clinical studies.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
- Drug Development
Background:
- Hexadecylphosphocholine (HDPC), or Miltefosine, was initially developed for cancer therapy.
- Antiparasitic properties of HDPC were previously suggested but not extensively studied in vivo.
- Miltefosine (Impavido) is now registered in India for visceral leishmaniasis treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and evaluate the antiparasitic efficacy of orally administered HDPC in animal models.
- To assess the effectiveness of Miltefosine in treating various forms of leishmaniasis, including antimony-resistant cases.
- To document cure rates and side effect profiles of oral Miltefosine treatment in human clinical studies.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and initial testing of HDPC for therapeutic applications.
- Animal studies to confirm antiparasitic activity following oral administration.
- Phase IV clinical trials in India and clinical studies in Columbia evaluating oral Miltefosine for leishmaniasis.
Main Results:
- Oral administration of HDPC demonstrated significant antiparasitic efficacy in animal models.
- Clinical studies in India and Columbia showed cure rates exceeding 90% for leishmaniasis.
- Miltefosine proved effective even in patients with antimony-resistant leishmaniasis, exhibiting low side effects.
Conclusions:
- Hexadecylphosphocholine (Miltefosine) is a highly effective oral medication for treating leishmaniasis.
- The drug offers a promising alternative, especially for antimony-resistant strains and in regions with high prevalence.
- Miltefosine represents a significant advancement in antiparasitic therapy with a favorable safety profile.