Chagas Disease: Drug Development and Parasite Targets

Abstract

Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected disease that is endemic to Central and South America and is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The discovery of new drugs against CD has not made any significative progress, as the same two drugs have been in use since the 1960s. Benznidazole (BZN), the first-line treatment and Nifurtimox (NFX), the second-line treatment are both nitro-heterocyclic derivatives. Significant problems of resistance have emerged with both drugs. Although new drugs and new Trypanosoma cruzi targets are the focus of studies worldwide, their development and release onto the market remain unresolved. This chapter aims to review current drugs for Chagas disease and their targets, as well as to discuss the challenges that exist in the discovery of new drugs. Furthermore, the evidence that points to the need to strengthen a collaborative network between institutions is emphasized along with the importance of multi-omic studies to support the development of new drugs for Chagas disease.