Targeting Schistosome Calcium Signalling To Improve And Broaden Praziquantel Efficacy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$481,661.00
Summary
Schistosomiasis is caused by parasitic worms, treatment relies solely on praziquantel (PZQ). Schistosomes respond and recover from PZQ exposure through modulation of the gene CamKII. We will target this gene to both increase and extend the efficacy of PZQ in both adult parasites and in refractory juvenile parasites. Research will expand into assaying CamKII inhibitors to maximise effectiveness and take this work into animal models of this disease.
Investigating The Therapeutic Potential Of FTY720 For Human African Trypanosomiasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$653,736.00
Summary
FTY720, is a drug currently used to treat multiple sclerosis, which we have shown is also be able to kill the parasite responsible for African sleeping sickness, Trypanosomes. We aim to identify the target the drug acts on in the parasite to have its affect. Our objective is to improve the activity further by chemical modification to produce a potent, orally available and well characterised, non-toxic drug suitable for preclinical development.