Design and development of novel agents for the treatment of animal trypanosomiasis

Animal Trypanosomiasis (AT) is a fatal disease of livestock such as cattle, camels, oxen and horses, which does great damage to emerging economies and food security. Existing treatments are few and old, and resistance is widespread. Novel classes of anti-infective drugs to treat AT are desperately needed.

This multi-disciplinary project will develop a new clinical candidate against AT, from our patented class of anti-infective agents, Strathclyde Minor Groove Binders (S-MGB). These anti-infective agents are an innovative and exciting class. Unlike antibiotics, their multi-modal mechanism of action is associated with resilience to drug resistance, which has been commented on by global organisations including the World Health Organisation.

The project will involve drug design, synthetic organic chemistry and chemical biology within the Scott Group at the University of Strathclyde, using state-of-the-art facilities and techniques (NMR, Mass Spectrometry, Target engagement assays). In the De Koning Group at the University of Glasgow, it will involve the testing of new compounds for antiparasite activity. The nature of the biochemical and cellular effects will also be investigated.