WCAIR Researchers included in team awarded DNDi Project of the Year 2024
WCAIR Professor Susan Wyllie and colleagues have been recognized by DNDi as part of the team awarded DNDi 2024 Project of the Year in pre-clinical research: DNDI-6899 – A boost to the drug discovery pipeline offering new hope for leishmaniasis
DNDi 2024 Projects of the year recognize DNDi teams and partners for outstanding progress in pre-clinical and clinical research. Nominated by the DNDi Scientific Advisory Committee and selected by the DNDi Executive Board, the 2024 awards recognize two projects from among more than 40 in DNDi’s R&D portfolio.
DNDI-6899 was nominated as a clinical candidate for visceral leishmaniasis following successful pre-clinical development in collaboration with GSK Global Health Unit and the Drug Discovery Unit, University of Dundee. After completion of a Phase I single-ascending dose study by GSK, further development of DNDI-6899 was stopped by GSK in 2021 with rights to further develop DNDI-6899 were transferred to DNDi.
In depth studies, conducted by Prof. Wyllie’s lab, and partners at the University of Antwerp, confirmed that DNDI-6899 acts via a novel mechanism of action, distinct from other anti-leishmanial compounds in development. This information proved pivotal in the resumption of the clinical development programme.
After presenting new scientific evidence to the UK health authorities in 2023 and receiving favourable feedback, preparations for a Phase I multiple-ascending dose study of DNDI-6899 are underway. The promising compound is now among the front-running candidates in DNDi’s visceral leishmaniasis portfolio.
In their press release DNDi noted their gratitude to their many partners who have advanced this critical early work toward discovering and developing all-new treatments for leishmaniasis, including GSK Global Health Unit, the Drug Discovery Unit at the University of Dundee, and WuXi AppTech. DNDi also thanked their current partners involved in preparing for the next Phase I study – the University of Liverpool and Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
DNDi also awarded the 2024 Project of the Year in clinical research to Fexinidazole for T.b. rhodesiense – A leap forward in the treatment of the most lethal form of sleeping sickness (read about this project https://dndi.org/news/2024/dndi-2024-projects-of-the-year-recognizes-medical-innovations-leishmaniasis-sleeping-sickness/)
Partners and staff collaborating on the 2024 Projects of the Year were celebrated during a dedicated session of the 43rd meeting of the DNDi Scientific Advisory Committee on 4 October.
Dr Laurent Fraisse, Director of R&D, DNDi said “‘By identifying a promising new compound to bolster the research and development pipeline for visceral leishmaniasis and delivering an all-new, all-oral treatment for the most acute and lethal form of sleeping sickness, our 2024 projects of the year highlight the enormous power of partnerships to bring the best science for the most neglected. These successful collaborations prove that by working together, we can advance scientific discovery and deliver life-saving medical innovations that change lives and contribute to the elimination of devastating diseases.’
Visceral leishmaniasis – also known as kala-azar – is the second deadliest parasitic disease after malaria and causes fever, weight loss, spleen and liver enlargement, and, if not treated, death. Safer, simpler treatments are urgently needed – especially for children, who comprise up to 70% of cases in Eastern Africa. Continued innovation is critical to sustaining elimination in South Asia and achieving elimination targets in Eastern Africa.