by Singh-Phulgenda S, Dahal P, Maguire BJ, Alvar J, Alves F, Chatterjee M, Costa C, Croft SL, Guerin PJ, Mondal D, Musa A, Pandey K, Ritmeijer K, Romero G, Sundar S. Parasites & Vectors 2025;18, 496. doi: 10.1186/s13071-025-07121-2
Summary: The authors of this manuscript describe the development of a global visceral leishmaniasis (VL) research agenda and the establishment of an individual participant data (IPD) platform at the Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO). Key steps included a systematic scoping review of VL clinical trials, consultations with the Scientific Advisory Committee, expert and public reviews, and implementation of an equitable governance framework to harmonise and share IPD. The VL research agenda identified priority methodological and clinical questions suited to IPD analyses. The platform currently hosts harmonised data from nearly 15,000 patients from more than 50 studies; this inclusive resource, guided by an equitable governance framework, can support new evidence generation and serve as historical data to support accelerated drug development.
