COST Action B22 on
"Drug development for parasitic diseases"
2003-2007
Objectives and
benefits
The main objective of the Action is to
support the identification, evaluation and development of new
drugs for the treatment of protozoal diseases, with particular
emphasis on the tropical diseases malaria, leishmaniasis, human
African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) and South American
trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease). Research on other widespread
parasitic diseases, for example amoebiasis, and opportunistic
infections will also be supported.
1: The drug research and development process is complex and requires dedicated teams of experts to encompass discovery and the various steps of development, registration and distribution. The expertise and resources for the development process have been traditionally only available within pharmaceutical industry. However, due to the absence of economic incentives, much of the expertise required for drug discovery for parasitic diseases is absent from the industry. To ensure the continuation of this process collaboration is required between academia and industry with the support of international organisations, medical charities and national governments. The COST Action will work within this context providing a wide body of expertise and maintaining close contacts with the pharmaceutical industry and international organisations.
2: The drug discovery process requires scientists with expertise in genomic and proteomic analysis, biochemical and molecular characterisation of drug targets, rational design and synthesis of new compounds, design of high-throughput screens, compound evaluation in experimental models, pharmacology, toxicology and drug delivery. These approaches lead to the identification of novel drugs if researchers skilled work in collaboration. No institution can provide all the expertise necessary for anti-parasitic drug development, but the expertise is present and available in laboratories throughout the EU. The COST Action will bring together scientists with the variety of expertise, encourage networks, provide a forum for exchange of ideas, provide contacts and encourage collaboration between the private and the public sector research institutes, and train young scientists to ensure continuity of the process.
3: The development of a new drug requires pharmaceutical companies that can provide the expertise and facilities for the pre-clinical and clinical stages as well as the assurance of quality essential for registration. Expertise and interest in the development of new drugs for parasitic diseases is present in both small and large pharmaceutical companies in Europe; some companies have recently committed themselves to dedicated sections to this process. The COST Action will help to develop a framework that will encourage interaction between academia and the pharmaceutical industry, the further establishment of opportunities for joint ventures and the sharing of results on drug action and drug efficacy.
4: The establishment of the network and the attraction of new scientists to the area will be achieved through the Annual Congress, a regular updated Website and regular e-mail bulletins. Support for the regular exchange of young scientists and technicians between laboratories will serve to enhance the links between laboratories. In addition there will be a series of special meetings that will focus on particular aspects of the drug development process and produce analytical reports. The COST Action will promote scientific exchange of ideas and personnel and new information about research and opportunities through meetings, publications and the Website.
5: The most important parasitic diseases, those that have the largest effects upon morbidity and mortality and economics, are in tropical and underdeveloped countries. Scientists in endemic countries often have poor facilities and networks of support for research on drug development and opportunities to present their work at international conferences. The COST Action will establish links with scientists involved in antiparasitic drug development in endemic countries in Africa, Asia and South America and encourage participation in meetings through partial financial support.
The Benefits from the COST Action will be assessed through:
1. the quality of science measured through the publication of scientific papers, patents and drugs reaching development
2. the platform provided to support the preparation and submission of joint grant applications for further research and/or the establishment of new companies
3. the interaction with small and large pharmaceutical companies, public-private partnerships and international organisations
4. the links established to other international bodies and synergistic activities with these bodies