DNDi OSN “Hit to Lead” Potential Therapies for Leishmaniasis
Session Number
MEDH 45
Advisor(s)
Dr. John Thurmond, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Discipline
Medical and Health Sciences
Start Date
17-4-2024 10:25 AM
End Date
17-4-2024 10:40 AM
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is an infectious, neglected tropical disease that needs further funding for research purposes. Leishmaniasis is a parasite associated with neglected populations who experience poor domestic sanitary conditions, weak immune systems, malnutrition, and lack of financial resources. In majority of cases, this disease is fatal if left untreated. Treatments and therapies have shown a lack of effectiveness over the disease as well as problems regarding drug resistance and cytotoxins. Even with treatment, this endemic disease can still cause detrimental harm to one's physical and mental health. Organizations like the Drugs for Neglected Disease Initiative (DNDi) have made programs like the Open Synthesis Network (OSN) to help find better, safer treatments for neglected diseases like leishmaniasis. OSN has already made progress in developing new compounds to test in a leishmaniasis assay. One of their projects includes the evaluation of a hit against leishmaniasis from a thorough compound screen. Through synthesizing and purifying different derivatives of the lead compound DNDI0003202833 and four other structures, nine compounds were successfully made and will be sent to DNDi for testing in a leishmaniasis assay. These tests will contribute to future work in the leishmaniasis field.
DNDi OSN “Hit to Lead” Potential Therapies for Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis is an infectious, neglected tropical disease that needs further funding for research purposes. Leishmaniasis is a parasite associated with neglected populations who experience poor domestic sanitary conditions, weak immune systems, malnutrition, and lack of financial resources. In majority of cases, this disease is fatal if left untreated. Treatments and therapies have shown a lack of effectiveness over the disease as well as problems regarding drug resistance and cytotoxins. Even with treatment, this endemic disease can still cause detrimental harm to one's physical and mental health. Organizations like the Drugs for Neglected Disease Initiative (DNDi) have made programs like the Open Synthesis Network (OSN) to help find better, safer treatments for neglected diseases like leishmaniasis. OSN has already made progress in developing new compounds to test in a leishmaniasis assay. One of their projects includes the evaluation of a hit against leishmaniasis from a thorough compound screen. Through synthesizing and purifying different derivatives of the lead compound DNDI0003202833 and four other structures, nine compounds were successfully made and will be sent to DNDi for testing in a leishmaniasis assay. These tests will contribute to future work in the leishmaniasis field.