title: Treatment options for second-stage gambiense human African trypanosomiasis.
abstract: Treatment of second-stage gambiense human African trypanosomiasis relied on toxic arsenic-based derivatives for over 50 years. The availability and subsequent use of eflornithine, initially in monotherapy and more recently in combination with nifurtimox (NECT), has drastically improved the prognosis of treated patients. However, NECT logistic and nursing requirements remain obstacles to its deployment and use in peripheral health structures in rural sub-Saharan Africa. Two oral compounds, fexinidazole and SCYX-7158, are currently in clinical development. The main scope of this article is to discuss the potential impact of new oral therapies to improve diagnosis-treatment algorithms and patients' access to treatment, and to contribute to reach the objectives of the recently launched gambiense human African trypanosomiasis elimination program.
authors.affiliation: Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Gilles
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Eperon
authors.forename: Manica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Balasegaram
authors.forename: Julien
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Potet
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mowbray
authors.forename: Olaf
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Valverde
authors.forename: François
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Chappuis
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018450:Disease Progression; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D014344:Trypanocidal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014347:Trypanosoma brucei gambiense; D014353:Trypanosomiasis, African / Q000469:parasitology / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D014344:Trypanocidal Agents
keywords: SCYX-7158; eflornithine; fexinidazole; gambiense; human African trypanosomiasis; melarsoprol; nifurtimox; oxaborole; second stage; sleeping sickness