FAILSAFE Fungal Antimicrobial Resistance Innovations for Low & Middle Income Countries: Solutions & Access For Everyone
FAILSAFE Fungal Antimicrobial Resistance Innovations for Low & Middle Income Countries: Solutions & Access For Everyone
Lead applicant
Dr Leonardo Nimrichter – Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Co-applicants
Maurizio Del Poeta – Stony Brook University
Marcio L. Rodrigues – Institute of Fiocruz
Isabella Dib Ferreira Gremião – Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fiocruz
Sandro Antonio Pereira – Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fiocruz
Geographical focus – Brazil and other South American countries
Research Theme – Microbial Pathogenesis
Lay summary
Sporotrichosis, caused by members of the genus Sporothrix, is an emerging mycosis affecting humans and animals. Cats, in particular, play a crucial role in its zoonotic transmission. Current treatment options for feline sporotrichosis, such as itraconazole (ITC), potassium iodide (KI), and amphotericin B, often lead to adverse reactions, treatment refractoriness, and recurrence, highlighting the need for affordable, non-toxic, and effective anti-Sporothrix agents.
A recent clinical study from our group tested the combination of D13, an acylhydrazone derivative, with ITC, with or without potassium iodide, in 10 cats refractory to standard (ITC+KI) treatment. This regimen achieved clinical improvement or cure in five cases after 12 weeks, with minimal abnormal laboratory findings observed in some cats, all of which returned to normal after treatment cessation.
Our grant proposal aims to develop a large-scale randomized controlled trial to further evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this novel drug as a monotherapy or in combination for treating feline sporotrichosis, addressing the critical need for improved therapeutic options in combating this challenging fungal infection.