New Compounds Show Promise in Fighting Chagas Disease

Scientists have identified a new class of compounds that could lead to improved treatments for Chagas disease, one of the world's deadliest parasitic infections. The breakthrough, published in Science Translational Medicine on July 9, 2025, offers hope for millions affected by this neglected tropical disease.

Quinazolines: A Potential Game-Changer

Researchers from the University of Dundee and De Montfort University have discovered that compounds called quinazolines can significantly reduce the number of Trypanosoma cruzi parasites in infected mice. The lead compound, DMU759, demonstrated an impressive 81% reduction in parasite levels in the blood of test subjects.

Dr. Susan Wyllie, a biochemist at the University of Dundee and senior author of the study, explained the mechanism behind these compounds: "The quinazolines target an enzyme called lysyl-tRNA synthetase, which is critical for protein synthesis in the parasite. By disrupting this process, we can essentially halt the parasite's ability to produce proteins and survive."

While the current formulation of quinazolines doesn't yet have the stability required for human use, Dr. Avninder Bhambra from De Montfort University is working on modifications to enhance their druglike properties.

Addressing an Urgent Need

Chagas disease affects approximately seven million people annually, primarily in Latin America, and claims over 10,000 lives each year. The current treatments available are known for their severe side effects, with about 30% of patients developing a chronic, untreatable form of the disease.

"The toxicity of the approved drugs is so severe that in most cases, people can't complete the treatment regimens," Dr. Wyllie stated. "This is why we need to desperately find new treatments."

The potential impact of this research extends beyond its immediate applications. As global warming allows disease-carrying insects to expand their range northward, the prevalence of Chagas disease could increase, making the need for effective treatments even more urgent.

Broader Implications for Neglected Tropical Diseases

The success of this research highlights the importance of continued investment in treatments for neglected tropical diseases. Dr. Wyllie's team is now turning its attention to other complex pathogens, including fungi that cause cryptococcal meningitis and infections in immunocompromised patients, as well as the parasitic worm responsible for schistosomiasis.

"We desperately need drugs for many of these tropical diseases that have just been pretty much ignored," Dr. Wyllie emphasized. "Sitting here in our labs in Dundee in Scotland, we can make a big difference and potentially help get things to the clinic that can change lives."

As researchers continue to unravel the complexities of these diseases, the pharmaceutical industry watches with keen interest, recognizing the potential for groundbreaking treatments that could improve millions of lives worldwide.