Epoxy-a-lapachone in nanosystem: a prototype drug for leishmaniasis assessed in the binomial BALB/c - Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis

Abstract

This perspective presents and supports arguments for a new formulation of epoxy-α-lapachone loaded microemulsion (ELAP-ME), a nanosystem, as a prototype drug for the treatment of leishmaniasis. The benefits of ELAP as a multitarget compound, with properties that affect key physiological pathways of Leishmania spp. are discussed. ELAP-ME demonstrated efficacy in murine infection models, particularly with the binomial BALB/c-Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. Furthermore, it is proposed that the technological maturity of ELAP-ME be classified as Technology Readiness Level 4 (TLR 4) within the context of innovative drugs for American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL).

Key words:
cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment; combination therapy; epoxy-a-lapachone; microemulsion; meglumine antimoniate