DNDI-6174 is a preclinical candidate for visceral leishmaniasis that targets the cytochrome bc.

Abstract

New drugs for visceral leishmaniasis that are safe, low cost, and adapted to the field are urgently required. Despite concerted efforts over the last several years, the number of new chemical entities that are suitable for clinical development for the treatment ofremains low. Here, we describe the discovery and preclinical development of DNDI-6174, an inhibitor ofcytochrome bccomplex activity that originated from a phenotypically identified pyrrolopyrimidine series. This compound fulfills all target candidate profile criteria required for progression into preclinical development. In addition to good metabolic stability and pharmacokinetic properties, DNDI-6174 demonstrates potent in vitro activity against a variety ofspecies and can reduce parasite burden in animal models of infection, with the potential to approach sterile cure. No major flags were identified in preliminary safety studies, including an exploratory 14-day toxicology study in the rat. DNDI-6174 is a cytochrome bccomplex inhibitor with acceptable development properties to enter preclinical development for visceral leishmaniasis.