[ANTHELMINTIC SUBSTANCES: MAIN CLASSES, PROBLEMS, TRENDS IN DEVELOPMENT AND PROSPECTS].

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pharmacology
• Parasitology
• Drug Discovery

Background:

• Anthelmintic drugs are crucial for controlling parasitic worm infections in humans and animals.
• A wide array of anthelmintic classes have been developed over time, each with specific mechanisms.
• Emerging resistance necessitates continuous research into new and effective deworming agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a chronological overview of major anthelmintic drug classes.
• To highlight novel anthelmintic substances and future research directions.
• To discuss molecular mechanisms, resistance patterns, and alternative deworming approaches.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of anthelmintic compounds.
• Chronological analysis of drug classes: early compounds, benzimidazoles, imidazolthiazoles, tetrahydropyrimidines, avermectins/milbemycins, and salicylanilides.
• Focus on novel agents like emodepside, monepantel, derquantel, and tribendimidine.

Main Results:

• Comprehensive summary of established anthelmintic classes and their evolution.
• Detailed examination of newer anthelmintics with potential for improved efficacy.
• Discussion on the challenges posed by anthelmintic resistance and exploration of alternative strategies.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the history and mechanisms of anthelmintics is key to combating resistance.
• Novel compounds like emodepside and monepantel represent significant advancements in deworming.
• Continued research into drug action, resistance, and alternative methods is vital for future parasitic control.