Boron-based drugs as antiprotozoals

PURPOSE OF REVIEWBoron-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 FINDINGSThis review highlights recent advances in discovery of potential treatmen...

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Veröffentlicht in:Current opinion in infectious diseases 2011-12, Vol.24 (6), p.586-592
Hauptverfasser: Jacobs, Robert T, Plattner, Jacob J, Keenan, Martine
Format: Artikel
Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:PURPOSE OF REVIEWBoron-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 FINDINGSThis 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. SUMMARYResearch 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.
ISSN:0951-7375
1473-6527
DOI:10.1097/QCO.0b013e32834c630e