Chagas disease
In search of shorter, better treatments to stop a silent killer
Chagas disease
In search of shorter, better treatments to stop a silent killer
We developed the first-ever treatment for children and established a research network of over 400 people in 25 countries to advance new treatments and improve patients’ lives. Our teams are now working to develop safer, more effective medicines and to break down barriers to testing and treatment.
There are only two drugs – both discovered half a century ago – available to treat Chagas disease, a potentially fatal parasitic illness transmitted by insects known as ‘kissing bugs’, that hide in cracks in walls and furniture. If not treated, Chagas disease can cause irreversible, life-threatening damage to the heart and other vital organs. Endemic in Latin America and the southern US, it is also present in Europe, Japan, and Australia.
The current treatment for the disease is effective, but lasts eight weeks and sometimes has serious side effects.
‘We need to raise the population’s awareness about Chagas disease and eliminate beliefs and fears about treatment.’
What we have achieved
We have been active in research and development, and advocacy. Together with a group of concerned investigators, we helped create the Chagas Clinical Research Platform, a network of over 400 people from 25 countries, to utilize and strengthen capacity in endemic countries.
What we are doing for people living with Chagas disease
Our goal is to make treatment safer and more effective. We are also working to improve access to testing and treatment.
Making medical history for neglected patients
We develop urgently needed treatments for neglected patients and ensure they’re affordable, available, and adapted to the communities who need them
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