New Anti-Parasitic Agents, Trends and Trials

The continuous threat that parasitic infections pose to human and veterinary health is directing towards the global requirement for safer and more potent antiparasitic drugs. This chapter reviews recent clinical and preclinical trials, new therapeutic approaches, and progress in the development of antiparasitic drugs. The focus is to discuss the development of antiparasitic products based on nature, progress in reprofiling of medication, and new molecular targets in helminth and protozoan parasites. New-generation drugs with better pharmacokinetic characteristics and lower liability for resistance are especially discussed. Another important discussion in this chapter is on the identification of the target by using genetic and proteomic methods, mechanisms of resistance, and how the delivery and bioavailability of medication can be improved by nanotechnology. Clinical trials that are in progress and regulatory issues are also discussed to elucidate translational advancement. Moreover, there are strategies like combination therapies, single-dose regimens, approaches towards microfilaricides, and public–private partnerships coming forth, which are considered as crucial facilitators for attaining disease control and elimination goals. The chapter as a whole provides a detailed summary of how new computational and scientific methods are changing the area of antiparasitic therapy.