[Progress in development of new antischistosomal drugs in recent years]

It is estimated that 200 million people have suffered the infection with schistosomes in the world. The fact that treatment of schistosomiasis only relies on a single drug praziquantel does not adapt to the demand. Although praziquantel exhibits excellent therapeutic efficacy, it shows no preventive action to the infection. Therefore, development of new anti-schistosomal drugs has been received serious attention. In this paper the recent development of new antischistosomal drugs such as oxadiazole-2-oxides, mefloquine, etc. has been reviewed, and the process of their development and anti-schistosomal properties recounted.