Old drug repurposing for neglected disease: Pyronaridine as a promising candidate for the treatment of Echinococcus granulosus infections
Jun Li, Weisi Wang, Junmin Yao, Tian Wang, Shi‐Zhu Li, Wenjing Qi, Shuai Han, Yuan Ren, Zhisheng Dang, Xiumin Han, Gang Guo, Baoping Guo, Liqin Wang, Liping Duan, Wenbao Zhang
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cystic echinococcosis (CE), a condition caused by the larval stage of the dog tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto, is a globally distributed zoonotic disease. Current treatment options for CE are limited, and an effective and safe anti-echinococcal drug is urgently required. METHODS: Drug repurposing strategy was employed to identify new therapeutic agents against echinococcal cysts. An in vitro protoscolicidal assay along with in vivo murine models was applied in the drug screening. A microinjection procedure was employed to mimic the clinical PAIR (puncture, aspiration, injection and reaspiration) technique to evaluate the potential application of the candidate drug in clinical practice. FINDINGS: = 209.7 ± 1.1 μM). In addition, classical apoptotic hallmarks, including DNA fragmentation and caspase activation, were triggered. INTERPRETATION: Given its approved clinical safety, the repurposing of pyronaridine offers a rapidly translational option for treating CE including PAIR. FUND: National Natural Science Foundation of China and International Cooperation Project of the Qinghai Science and Technology Department.