Chemotherapy for Fighting Schistosomiasis: Past, Present and Future

Area of Science:

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Parasitology
• Drug Discovery

Background:

• Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, is primarily controlled using praziquantel chemotherapy.
• Long-term praziquantel use raises significant concerns regarding the development of drug resistance.
• There is an urgent need for alternative treatment strategies to combat schistosomiasis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing and novel antischistosomal compounds from a medicinal chemistry perspective.
• To analyze structure-activity relationships of potential antischistosomal agents.
• To assess the current landscape of drug development for schistosomiasis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of relinquished drugs and recent antischistosomal compound research.
• Analysis of in vitro and in vivo data for various compound classes.
• Evaluation of structure-activity relationships for medicinal chemistry insights.

Main Results:

• Several compounds exhibit promising in vitro antischistosomal activity.
• Despite in vitro efficacy, few compounds demonstrate potential to replace praziquantel.
• The development of novel antischistosomal agents remains an active area of research.

Conclusions:

• Current research highlights the challenge in finding a viable praziquantel alternative.
• Continued medicinal chemistry efforts are crucial for discovering new schistosomiasis treatments.
• Addressing praziquantel resistance necessitates ongoing investigation into novel antischistosomal compounds.