Anti-COVID Drugs (MMV COVID Box) as Leishmanicidal Agents: Unveiling New Therapeutic Horizons

Abstract

Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease, poses a significant global health challenge, necessitating the urgent development of innovative therapies. In this study, we aimed to identify compounds from the COVID Box with potential efficacy against two Leishmania species, laying the foundation for future chemical development. Four promising molecules were discovered, demonstrating notable inhibitory effects against L. amazonensis and L. donovani. Our study revealed that bortezomib, almitrine, and terconazole induced a significant decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, while the above compounds and ABT239 induced plasma permeability alterations, chromatin condensation, and reactive oxygen species accumulation, indicating early apoptosis in Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes, preventing inflammatory responses and tissue damage, thereby improving patient outcomes. Furthermore, ADME predictions revealed favorable pharmacokinetic profiles for all compounds, with bortezomib and ABT239 standing out as potential candidates. These compounds exhibited intestinal absorption, blood–brain barrier penetration (excluding bortezomib), and good drug-likeness for bortezomib and ABT239. Toxicity predictions for CYP-inhibition enzymes favored bortezomib as the safest candidate. In conclusion, our study identifies bortezomib as a promising aspirant for leishmaniasis treatment, demonstrating potent antiparasitic activity, favorable pharmacokinetics, and low toxicity. These findings emphasize the potential repurposing of existing drugs for neglected diseases and highlight the importance of the COVID Box in drug discovery against tropical diseases.