Breakthrough in kala-azar treatment: IIT-BHU, IIT-Guwahati develop drugs
Varanasi: In a landmark achievement that promises to change the course of treatment for
visceral leishmaniasis
(Kala-azar), a team of researchers from the
IIT-BHU
, Varanasi, in collaboration with
IIT Guwahati
, developed novel
dual-target drugs
encapsulated in advanced liposome formulations.
This significant breakthrough, recently published in the prestigious Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, was led by Prof Vikash Kumar Dubey from the School of Biochemical Engineering, IIT-BHU, and Prof Shankar Prasad Kanaujia, affiliated with both IIT-BHU and IIT Guwahati. The team designed two synthetic compoundsthat effectively inhibit two crucial enzymes, iron superoxide dismutase A (FeSODA) and trypanothione reductase (TryR), which are essential for the survival of Leishmania donovani, the parasite responsible for visceral leishmaniasis.
The dual-target approach adopted by the researchers enables the drugs to strike at the parasite on two fronts, thereby enhancing therapeutic success and significantly reducing the risk of resistance development. As explained by lead researcher Kushal Bora, a joint PhD student at IIT-BHU and IIT Guwahati, targeting both enzymes simultaneously is akin to hitting the Achilles' heel of the parasite. What further elevates this innovation is the use of polymeric liposome encapsulation, a cutting-edge drug delivery technique that ensures targeted action and controlled release. This approach not only enhances the efficacy of the drugs, but also drastically reduces their toxicity to healthy human cells.
Laboratory testing of these liposomal formulations yielded highly promising results.
Mechanistic studies further revealed that the liposomal drugs induce mitochondrial membrane depolarisation and phosphatidylserine externalisation in the parasites—both key indicators of apoptosis-like cell death. These findings highlight a highly targeted and effective mechanism of action that directly disrupts the parasite's internal survival pathways.
The research team is now gearing up for the next phase, which involves preclinical in vivo studies followed by human clinical trials. The ultimate goal is to convert these encouraging laboratory results into viable therapeutic solutions that can be deployed in affected communities. Prof Amit Patra, director of IIT-BHU, said " The development of dual-target liposomal drugs for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (Kala-azar) is not only a major scientific milestone but also a testament to the institute's unwavering commitment to innovation, academic excellence and social responsibility."
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