Preclinical Research in Infection Biology

Swiss TPH contributes to the development of vaccines, drugs and diagnostic tests for pathogens by innovative preclinical research. This work involves the establishment and maintenance of various parasite life cycles and the development and application of in vitro, in vivo and bio-analytical assays. We evaluate the pharmacokinetic properties of drug candidates.

Our preclinical research is closely linked to basic research in infection biology and our clinical research, implementing the results of basic research to develop new tools and candidate products that can be progressed to clinical validation.

The Schistosoma female lives in a pocket of the male.

Optimisation of Antischistosomal Chemotypes

Drug-resistant schistosomiasis is an increasing threat and new drugs for integrated control programmes are urgently needed. In this study, we aim to identify one or more antischistosomal drug development candidates effective against all parasite stages and with a novel mechanism of action. To accomplish this objective, we will optimise four promising and structurally diverse antischistosomal chemotypes.

Buruli Ulcer - Drug Screening

For the development of new drug treatment regimens for neglected tropical diseases, re-evaluation and re-purposing of antimicrobials is an efficient strategy. In view of very limited financial resources available, repurposing of tuberculosis drug development candidates is a particularly attractive approach for Buruli ulcer disease. Although most tuberculosis active scaffolds show no or only limited activity against M. ulcerans, we have identified advanced tuberculosis drug candidates suitable for co-development against both tuberculosis and Buruli ulcer.