loading page

REVIEW OF PHARMACOLOGICAL OPTIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF CHAGAS DISEASE
  • Fernanda Lascano,
  • FACUNDO GARCIA-BOURNISSEN,
  • Jaime Altcheh
Fernanda Lascano
CONICET

Corresponding Author:fernandalascano@outlook.com.ar

Author Profile
FACUNDO GARCIA-BOURNISSEN
Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry
Author Profile
Jaime Altcheh
CONICET
Author Profile

Abstract

Introduction: Chagas disease (CD) is a worldwide problem, with over 8 million people infected in both rural and urban areas. CD was first described over a century ago, but only two drugs are currently available for CD treatment, benznidazole (BZN) and nifurtimox (NF). Treating CD infected patients, especially children and women of reproductive age, is vital in order to prevent long term sequelae such as heart and gastrointestinal disfunction, but this aim is still far from being accomplished. Currently, the strongest data to support benefit-risk considerations come from trials in children. Finally, treatment response biomarkers need further development as serology is being questioned as the best method to assess treatment response. Areas covered: This article is a narrative review on the pharmacology of drugs for CD, particularly BZN and NF. Data on drug biopharmaceutical characteristics, safety and efficacy of both drugs are summarized from a clinical perspective. Current data on alternative compounds under evaluation for CD treatment, and new possible treatment response biomarkers are also discussed. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment of CD, especially in pediatric patients, is vital for an effective and safe use of the available drugs (i.e. BZN and NF). New biomarkers for CD are urgently needed for the diagnosis and evaluation of treatment efficacy, and to guide efforts from academia and pharmaceutical companies to accelerate the process of new drugs development.
24 Sep 2020Submitted to British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
25 Sep 2020Submission Checks Completed
25 Sep 2020Assigned to Editor
02 Oct 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
29 Oct 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
30 Oct 2020Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
31 Oct 20201st Revision Received
12 Nov 2020Submission Checks Completed
12 Nov 2020Assigned to Editor
12 Nov 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
02 Dec 2020Editorial Decision: Accept
Feb 2022Published in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology volume 88 issue 2 on pages 383-402. 10.1111/bcp.14700