Parasite Chemotherapy

The Parasite Chemotherapy group conducts drug discovery research targeting the protozoan parasites responsible for major neglected tropical diseases. Our work is guided by the aim of identifying and advancing new therapeutic candidates for malaria, Chagas disease, African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis and certain parasitic diarrhoeal diseases.

Drawing on over three decades of experience, we combine assay development, drug efficacy testing, and mechanistic studies to discover new antiparasitic agents and promote their preclinical development.
 

Drug discovery for protozoan parasites 

We function as an in vitro and in vivo screening centre for hit discovery and hit-to-lead development against protozoan parasites including Plasmodium, Trypanosoma, and Leishmania species.

Assay development and preclinical testing 

We design primary endpoint assays and secondary, more advanced assays for preclinical drug R&D including IC₅₀ determination, live high-content imaging, in vitro pharmacodynamics, and disease-relevant animal models.

Mechanisms of drug action and drug resistance 

We are combining cell biology, molecular genetics and omics technologies to elucidate how drugs can selectively kill the parasites (but not our own cells), and how the parasites can become drug resistant.