Anthelmintic drug discovery: into the future.
Timothy G Geary1, Judy A Sakanari, Conor R Caffrey
1Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada H9X 3V9.
The Journal of Parasitology
|January 14, 2015
Summary
New anthelmintic drugs are urgently needed as resistance evolves. This review explores current and future approaches for discovering novel chemical entities to combat human helminthiases effectively.
Area of Science:
- Drug discovery and development
- Parasitology
- Medicinal chemistry
Background:
- The existing drug arsenal for human helminthiases has not expanded in 50 years.
- Anthelmintic drug resistance is a growing concern, particularly in veterinary and agricultural settings.
- This necessitates the urgent search for novel chemical entities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current methodologies and technologies for identifying anthelmintics.
- To discuss potential drug discovery paradigms for future anthelmintic development.
- To ensure the long-term efficacy of treatments for human helminthiases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing anthelmintic discovery approaches.
- Analysis of current technologies employed in drug identification.
- Exploration of novel drug discovery paradigms and strategies.
Main Results:
- Limited number of drugs available for human helminthiases.
- Established methods for identifying anthelmintics are under review.
- Emerging drug discovery paradigms show promise for future development.
Conclusions:
- The development of new anthelmintics is critical due to evolving resistance.
- Current discovery methods need to be enhanced by innovative technologies.
- Future drug discovery paradigms will be pivotal for sustained control of helminthiases.
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