Mycetoma
Looking for alternatives to amputation
Mycetoma
Looking for alternatives to amputation
We ran the world’s first mycetoma clinical trial and are partnering with a virtual drug-discovery community to identify all-new treatments.
Mycetoma is a slow-growing infection that causes severe disabilities. Infection probably comes from the soil or animal dung and begins most often in the foot, after a cut allows the bacteria or fungus to enter. There is no effective cure for fungal mycetoma – amputation is often the only solution. Current treatments show moderate effectiveness, but due to the length of administration they are less suitable and adapted for patients. They are also unaffordable and cause considerable side effects.
Global burden is unknown
‘I got mycetoma 19 years ago after I was pricked by a thorn. Even after numerous treatments, eight surgeries, and finally an amputation of my leg, I don’t think I am healed.’
What we have achieved
We are bringing much needed attention to mycetoma to help end the neglect of people with the disease.
Advocating for one of the world’s most neglected diseases
Mycetoma was added to WHO’s official list of neglected tropical diseases in 2016. We also endorsed a ‘Call for Action’ to accelerate global efforts to address the needs of people living with mycetoma.
What we are doing for people living with mycetoma
Our aim is to develop a safe, effective, and affordable treatment that is suitable for use in rural areas.
The world’s first clinical trial for mycetoma treatment. Ran at the world’s only specialized centre for mycetoma, located in Khartoum, Sudan, this study tested Eisai’s fosravuconazole against the current standard treatment which is expensive, must be dosed twice a day for a year, and taken with food.
Ensuring access to safe, effective, affordable treatments. We are working to expand access to treatment and to better understand the burden of mycetoma in endemic areas.
Open-source drug discovery for mycetoma. DNDi is partnering with this virtual drug discovery community to find all-new treatments to end the neglect of fungal mycetoma – using a community-driven, fully transparent process that publishes data and results immediately in real time.
Mycetoma news & resources
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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