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.

> 0 million

people living with Chagas

0 %

people diagnosed

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people infected suffer cardiac damage

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people are at risk

‘We need to raise the population’s awareness about Chagas disease and eliminate beliefs and fears about treatment.’

Wilson Fernando Torres works as a specialized professional in technical health public management for the Ministry of Health in the Province of Casanare and is also the physician of reference for Chagas disease in Casanare.

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.

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Clinical trials

New benznidazole regimens

Shorter treatment may be safer and just as effective. A DNDi-led study showed that a shorter two-week course of benznidazole was as effective and caused fewer side effects than the standard eight-week treatment. Phase III studies are now planned to confirm results.

Treatment Delivered

Paediatric Benznidazole

First-ever treatment for children. With our partners, we developed and registered the first-ever formulations of benznidazole for treating infants and children with Chagas disease.  

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.

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Drug discovery

NTD Drug Discovery Booster Hit-to-lead

Joining forces to find new treatments. We are bringing together eight pharmaceutical companies to search millions of compounds, accelerating progress and cutting costs to find new leads for potential drug candidates for leishmaniasis and Chagas disease.

Translational research

Fexinidazole for Chagas

Testing fexinidazole. Our new drug fexinidazole was approved in 2018 for the treatment of sleeping sickness. We are now exploring its potential as a treatment for Chagas disease.

Registration & access

Chagas Access Project

Boosting access to diagnosis and treatment. Fewer than 10% of people with Chagas know they have the disease. We are working with Ministries of Health and a broad range of partners in Colombia, Brazil, Guatemala, and elsewhere to expand people’s access to diagnosis and treatment.