Objective:
To address the disparity in research and treatment for neglected diseases, specifically human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) or sleeping sickness.
Approach:
- Screening Process: A DNDi-supported mobile team screens up to 400 people a day in remote villages, using a series of tests including the CATT for initial screening and spinal taps for diagnosis.
- Drug Development: Sanofi and DNDi are co-developing acoziborole, a new treatment for HAT, which will be distributed at no cost once approved.
- Previous Treatments: Prior treatments were toxic and complex, leading to high mortality rates. Acoziborole represents a shift towards safer, simpler treatment options.
Key Findings:
- HAT is endemic in 36 sub-Saharan African countries, affecting around 60 million people.
- Current treatments are complicated by logistical challenges and require skilled personnel for administration.
- Acoziborole is a single-dose treatment currently in phase II/III trials, aiming to simplify the treatment process.
Interpretation:
Limitations:
- Diagnostic challenges hinder timely treatment, as symptoms are nonspecific and require skilled personnel for accurate testing.
- Recruitment for clinical trials is difficult due to the need for confirmed cases and robust documentation.
Conclusion:
Sources:
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