# Treatment options applied to the preclinical studies using animal models for Chagas Disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

## TL;DR

This study reviews preclinical animal model treatments for Chagas disease and finds promising drug candidates, though most remain untested in humans.

## Contribution

A systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical CD treatments reveals new drug candidates and highlights the gap in clinical translation.

## Key findings

- Fifteen treatment alternatives showed efficacy in reducing parasitemia in experimental models.
- Bis-triazole DO870 and VNI were effective in acute and chronic phases of CD, respectively.
- Only posaconazole and fexinidazole advanced to clinical trials but showed unsatisfactory results.

## Abstract

Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected tropical disease endemic to Latin America, has emerged as a global health concern due to the migration of infected individuals. With its epidemiological complexity, by difficulty to obtain appropriate diagnoses and poor treatment, the search for novel therapeutic options remains.

In this context, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies employing animal models to verify the progress in CD treatment. We searched the PubMed database for CD treatment studies published between 1990 and 2023, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines.

Twelve papers met the inclusion criteria. The findings indicate that the fifteen treatment alternatives examined, mainly between 2010 and 2014, demonstrated efficacy in experimental CD models, evidenced by significant parasitemia reduction. Bis-triazole DO870 and VNI were effective in the acute and chronic phases, respectively. However, of these emerging therapies, only posaconazole and fexinidazole have progressed to clinical trials, yielding unsatisfactory outcomes as CD monotherapies

This meta-analysis highlights the existence of promising new drug candidates for CD treatment, but most remain in the preclinical stages. Those that reached clinical trials did not demonstrate optimal results, underscoring the ongoing challenges in CD therapy. Collaborative efforts among the academic community, pharmaceutical industries, funding agencies, and government agencies are urgently needed to accelerate the development of more effective medications against CD.

INPLASY202430101 (25/03/2024)