Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases Drug Discovery

The vision for the Centre is to help tackle the urgent unmet medical need and lack of drug discovery research for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) by creating the hub for NTD drug discovery and being the collaborator of choice for academics, Pharma and Product Development Partnerships (PDPs) in the translation of discovery science into drug candidates. The success of this vision will be evidenced by increased integration, efficiency and effectiveness of the discovery science, drug discovery and mode-of-action teams in Dundee, providing: Accelerated delivery of NTD drug candidates for our PDP partners, with an initial focus on visceral leishmaniasis and Chagas' disease. Improved paradigms for carrying out NTD drug discovery, including improved understanding of PKPD relationships and more predictive disease models. Improved methodology to determine drug modes of action and resistance mechanisms. Increased exploitation of novel drug targets through structure based drug discovery, involving collaborators worldwide. Training and support for international scientists in the theory and practice of NTD drug discovery. Increased public engagement and awareness of the impact of, and need for, new medicines for NTDs and a greater understanding of the nature and importance of drug discovery.