Development of the macrofilaricide corallopyronin A to treat onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis
Pre-clinical development of the macrofilaricide corallopyronin A (CorA) to treat onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis
Objectives
- Pre-clinical development of the macrofilaricide corallopyronin A (CorA) to treat onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis.
In March 2024, Eisai commenced research in collaboration with University Hospital Bonn (Germany) and Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (Germany) to jointly identify a new drug effective against lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis (river blindness), both major types of filariasis. The goal is to promote pre-clinical development of a treatment candidate which can effectively eradicate the worms that cause filariasis by first eliminating the Wolbachia bacteria inside them which the worms (filariae) depend upon for growth, development and survival.
Results and milestones
CorA is a novel antibiotic against the Wolbachia endosymbionts and we have shown in animal infections that CorA safely and slowly kills the adult worms. Because the target of CorA is at a different position in the molecule, there is no cross-resistance with rifampicin. Thus, CorA can be used in areas with undiagnosed tuberculosis infections without driving resistance.
The objective of this project is to progress CorA through final preclinical development activities to prepare for the first in human trial (phase 1).
Geographic Reach
- Global Commitment
Disease Area
- Infectious and Parasitic Disease
Target Population
- Men
- Women
- People with low incomes
Geographic Reach
Global Commitment
Disease Area
Infectious and Parasitic Disease
- Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)
- Elephantiasis (lymphatic filariasis)
- Onchocerciasis (River Blindness)