Breakthrough research in the University of Limerick could help millions worldwide

CONSIDERED to be the second most deadly parasitic disease, the first being malaria, schistosomiasis or bilharzia has been found to be well treated through a breakthrough in The University of Limerick (UL).

The disease affects 250 million people worldwide, research done in UL found that crystal engineering can improve access to a drug used in the treatment of a tropical disease.

Caused by parasitic worms, when skin comes in contact with contaminated freshwater that certain types of snails or worms that carry the parasite are living. Freshwater becomes contaminated by schistosome eggs when infected people urinate in the water.

However, a study conducted in UL has found that there are potential benefits of crystallising more drugs to treat the infectious disease, because properties of crystalline drugs improve absorption in the human system. 

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“This work demonstrates that a solid solution could increase the solubility of the drug by up to eight times and its absorption in vivo – or in the body – which is key to greater efficacy and reduced side effects for the patients,” explained Dr Matteo Lusi, who led the research.

“As a proof of principle, we have focused on an essential drug for the treatment of a parasite that is common in tropical and undeveloped countries, many of which cannot afford expensive medicines.

“Our approach is also a more general one that can be applied to any crystalline drug forms,” Dr Lusi added.

Due to its low solubility and high permeability, a high dose is required – particularly in children – and the large volume makes it difficult to swallow. 

The findings, which could have a significant impact in making medicine more soluble and palatable for children, have just been published in the Molecular Pharmaceutics journal.