Treating Cutaneous Leishmaniasis with a Topical Antiseptic in Nigeria

​Principal Investigator: Dr. Chinwe Chukwudi

Disease: Leishmaniasis

Research Description: Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasites transmitted through sandfly bites, affecting 1 to 2 million people and leading to thousands of deaths each year. Treatment remains a challenge worldwide due to variability of parasite species across regions and limited efficacy/accessibility of available drugs. Polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) is a common antiseptic and broad-spectrum antimicrobial used frequently in wound dressings. Preclinical evidence shows that PHMB has high antileishmanial activity. The study team is testing PHMB in a Phase II, multi-center, randomized, blinded, controlled trial to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis, the most common form of the disease, and improve patient outcomes over current standard of care.

Funding Partners: Coefficient Giving

Initial CWR Funding Role: Supplemental