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Assessing Environmental Risks during the Drug Development Process for Parasitic Vector-Borne Diseases: A Critical
Kayhan Ilbeigi1, Carlos Barata2, João Barbosa3
1Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
ACS Infectious Diseases
|March 27, 2024
Summary
Parasitic vector-borne diseases are a major global health issue. This study highlights critical data gaps in veterinary drug ecotoxicity, advocating for early environmental risk assessment and New Approach Methodologies to ensure sustainable drug development.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Parasitic vector-borne diseases (VBDs) contribute significantly to the global infectious disease burden.
- Disease spread is exacerbated by global travel, urbanization, and climate change.
- Current antiparasitic drugs present environmental risks due to potential side effects on non-target species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the environmental risk assessment process for veterinary medicinal products in the European Union.
- To identify significant gaps in ecotoxicity data for antiparasitic drugs.
- To advocate for integrating environmental considerations early in drug development.
Main Methods:
- Review of the European Union's environmental risk assessment framework for veterinary medicines.
- Analysis of existing ecotoxicity data for commonly used antiparasitic drugs.
- Literature review on New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and predictive tools.
Main Results:
- Significant scarcity of ecotoxicological data for many antiparasitic drugs was identified.
- Current risk assessment processes may not adequately address environmental complexities.
- There is a critical need for more comprehensive ecotoxicity data.
Conclusions:
- Early consideration of environmental risks is crucial for sustainable antiparasitic drug development.
- Adoption of predictive tools and NAMs is essential to fill data gaps and reduce animal testing.
- Integrating environmentally relevant exposure scenarios and nonstandard tests is vital for mitigating ecological risks and supporting the One Health concept.
