Harnessing Conventional and Nanotechnology-Enabled Combination Therapies to Combat Kinetoplastid Neglected Tropical Diseases

Abstract

The kinetoplastid neglected tropical diseases, Chagas disease, African trypanosomiasis, and leishmaniasis, are vector-borne diseases that remain a persistent global health challenge. Progress has been made in combating human African trypanosomiasis, but efforts to contain other kinetoplastid diseases have been slower. The current drugs used for treatment have limitations, such as drug resistance, toxicity, high cost, and limited access. To overcome these challenges, alternative therapeutic strategies are being explored, including drug combinations, drug repurposing, and nanotechnology, which have shown promise in other diseases, like cancer. Combination therapies, both conventional and nanobased, have the potential to enhance antiparasitic efficacy, reduce side effects, and prevent resistance development. This review focuses on the efficacy and safety of drug combinations for kinetoplastid neglected tropical diseases, highlighting current conventional combination therapies and ongoing research on both conventional and nanobased combination therapies in various stages of development. The review aims to provide novel insights and promote future research for the development of innovative, safe, and effective drug combination therapies. This will help in accelerating progress toward the elimination of Kinetoplastid neglected tropical diseases, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 3.3 to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, at every stage of life and to end the epidemics of neglected tropical diseases by 2030.