title: Boron-based drugs as antiprotozoals.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Boron-based drugs represent a new class of molecules that have been found to exhibit attractive properties and activities against a number of protozoans causative of neglected tropical diseases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This review highlights recent advances in discovery of potential treatments for human African trypanosomiasis, malaria and Chagas disease from a class of boron-containing drugs, the benzoxaboroles.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Research at several biotechnology companies, sponsored by product development partners (PDPs), has been successful in identifying a novel class of boron-based drugs, the benzoxaboroles, as potential treatments for neglected tropical diseases. This work was based, in part, on the earlier observation of antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of the benzoxaboroles. The unique properties of boron, namely its ability to reversibly interact with biochemical targets through an empty p-orbital, are important to the success of these new drug candidates. Physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of the boron-based compounds are consistent with features required for oral absorption, metabolic stability and low toxicity - all important for progression of this class to clinical trials.
authors: SCYNEXIS Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA. bob.jacobs@scynexis.com
authors: Robert T
authors: RT
authors: Jacobs
authors: Jacob J
authors: JJ
authors: Plattner
authors: Martine
authors: M
authors: Keenan
mesh_terms: D000962:Antimalarials / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001896:Boron Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014355:Chagas Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008288:Malaria / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014353:Trypanosomiasis, African / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000962:Antimalarials; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents; D001896:Boron Compounds