Leishmaniasis is a potentially fatal parasitic disease caused by various species of sandflies. The disease, which occurs in multiple forms, is prominent among the poorest people on earth and can result in malnutrition, population displacement and overall poor economic well-being of communities.

Chagas disease is primarily transmitted by large, blood-sucking insects widely known as “the kissing bugs” in endemic countries. In the initial, acute phase of disease, 5% of infected children die. The chronic phase of disease, which develops in 10-30% of infected individuals, can cause damage to the heart.  Current treatment lasts 8 weeks and many patients fail to complete the course. A shorter course therapy would help improve success rates for treatment.

In this collaboration, compound libraries from partner organizations are searched to find those with potential to treat these diseases. The process is both multilateral and iterative: partner companies continually examine their libraries for better matches as each search is refined. This significantly reduces the time it takes to find new, promising treatment leads and potentially reduces attrition.