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Updated: May 31, 2026
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Cercarial Transformation and in vitro Cultivation of Schistosoma mansoni Schistosomules
Published on: August 16, 2011
Schistosomiasis: from drug deployment to drug development
Conor R Caffrey1, W Evan Secor
1Sandler Center for Drug Discovery, California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, USA. conor.caffrey@ucsf.edu
Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases
|July 8, 2011
Summary
New antischistosomal drugs are urgently needed as praziquantel (PZQ) resistance is a growing concern. Recent advancements in drug discovery offer promising strategies to identify effective alternatives for schistosomiasis treatment.
Area of Science:
- Tropical medicine
- Infectious diseases
- Drug discovery
Background:
- Schistosomiasis affects millions globally, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Praziquantel (PZQ) is the sole available drug, raising concerns about resistance.
- PZQ's efficacy and mechanism of action are not fully understood, complicating resistance assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the urgent need for alternatives to praziquantel (PZQ) in schistosomiasis treatment.
- To discuss strategies for identifying new antischistosomal drugs.
- To address challenges in developing novel treatments for schistosomiasis.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent advancements in antischistosomal drug discovery.
- Application of modern strategies like drug repositioning and target-based design.
- Utilizing genomics and functional genomics for identifying drug targets.
Main Results:
- Increased infrastructure and technological application in antischistosomal drug discovery.
- Progress in preclinical and clinical evaluation of new drug candidates.
- Leveraging consortia and institutions supporting antiparasitic drug development.
Conclusions:
- Encouraging momentum exists for discovering PZQ alternatives.
- Sustained advocacy for drug development and deployment is crucial.
- Continued research is vital to combat schistosomiasis effectively.
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