Boron-based drugs as antiprotozoals.
Curr Opin Infect Dis
; 24(6): 586-92, 2011 Dec.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-22001943
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Boron-based drugs represent a new class of molecules that have been found to exhibit attractive properties and activities against a number of protozoans causative of neglected tropical diseases. RECENT FINDINGS:
This review highlights recent advances in discovery of potential treatments for human African trypanosomiasis, malaria and Chagas disease from a class of boron-containing drugs, the benzoxaboroles.SUMMARY:
Research at several biotechnology companies, sponsored by product development partners (PDPs), has been successful in identifying a novel class of boron-based drugs, the benzoxaboroles, as potential treatments for neglected tropical diseases. This work was based, in part, on the earlier observation of antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of the benzoxaboroles. The unique properties of boron, namely its ability to reversibly interact with biochemical targets through an empty p-orbital, are important to the success of these new drug candidates. Physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of the boron-based compounds are consistent with features required for oral absorption, metabolic stability and low toxicity - all important for progression of this class to clinical trials.
Full text:
1
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Trypanosomiasis, African
/
Boron Compounds
/
Chagas Disease
/
Malaria
/
Antiprotozoal Agents
Type of study:
Prognostic_studies
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Year:
2011
Type:
Article