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This open-access book provides a comprehensive reference on the discovery and development of praziquantel. It presents the full research and development (R&D) journey of this essential anthelmintic drug, combining foundational science with practical insights.
The book covers a wide range of topics, including a brief history of pharmaceutical industry, unmet medical needs, parasitic flatworm biology, and strategies for schistosomiasis control and elimination. Both human and animal health applications are addressed. Additional chapters explore chemical and manufacturing aspects, drug targets, biomarkers, toxicology, clinical efficacy, regulatory pathways, and Intellectual Property considerations. Rich illustrations, expert commentary, and clear summaries enhance the educational value of the text.
Designed for students, academics, and industry professionals alike, this volume serves as a valuable addition to any scientific library. It also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by contributing to the global fight against schistosomiasis and other Neglected Tropical Diseases.
List of contents
Chapter 1: A Brief History of the Pharmaceutical Industry.- Chapter 2: The Parasite`s Life Cycle and the Patient.- Chapter 3: The Medical Need for Patients with Schistosomiasis.- Chapter 4: From Small Molecule to Drug Product, the Chemical Journey of Praziquantel.- Chapter 5: The Molecular Drug Target of Praziquantel.- Chapter 6: In Vitro and In Vivo Activity of Praziquantel Against Schistosome Worms.-
Chapter 7: In Life Behaviour of Praziquantel & Relationship Between Drug Exposure and Effect.- Chapter 8: Nonclinical safety of Praziquantel.- Chapter 9: Controlled Human Schistosoma mansoni Infection Model & Biomarkers.- Chapter 10: Clinical efficacy of Praziquantel on Schistosoma Infections.- Chapter 11: Regulators’ Viewpoint.- Chapter 12: Proprietary Aspects of Praziquantel.
About the author
Thomas Spangenberg, PhD - With Merck since 2015, Thomas is heading global health research and leads drug discovery programs from drug screening to preclinical candidate nomination. He drives translation research by generating Real-World Data to support clinical candidates and catalyses research in infectious diseases through open innovation initiatives. Prior to joining Merck, Thomas was part of the drug discovery team at non-for-profit R&D organization Medicines for Malaria Venture (Switzerland), where he led the open-source Malaria Box and Pathogen Box initiatives aimed at accelerating drug discovery for infectious diseases.
Thomas holds a PhD in organic chemistry from the Universities of Strasbourg (France) and Freiburg im Breisgau (Germany). In 2009, he became a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard University (USA), contributing to the total synthesis of mycolactones and advancing point-of-care diagnostics for Buruli ulcer, a neglected necrotizing skin disease. He has authored and co-authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles and is a co-inventor on several patents.
Summary
This open-access book provides a comprehensive reference on the discovery and development of praziquantel. It presents the full research and development (R&D) journey of this essential anthelmintic drug, combining foundational science with practical insights.
The book covers a wide range of topics, including a brief history of pharmaceutical industry, unmet medical needs, parasitic flatworm biology, and strategies for schistosomiasis control and elimination. Both human and animal health applications are addressed. Additional chapters explore chemical and manufacturing aspects, drug targets, biomarkers, toxicology, clinical efficacy, regulatory pathways, and Intellectual Property considerations. Rich illustrations, expert commentary, and clear summaries enhance the educational value of the text.
Designed for students, academics, and industry professionals alike, this volume serves as a valuable addition to any scientific library. It also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by contributing to the global fight against schistosomiasis and other Neglected Tropical Diseases.
