Refining the Drug Discovery Paradigm for Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis researchers are building a standardised testing pathway to rapidly weed out weak drug candidates and identify compounds strong enough to move into human trials. The problem is that praziquantel is the only drug widely used against schistosomiasis, a parasitic worm disease affecting millions. Resistance is a growing concern, and no backup drugs are in the pipeline. The current discovery process is slow and inconsistent—different labs use different assays, making it hard to compare results or predict which compounds will actually work in people. This project aims to fix that by developing a set of predictive lab tests and animal models that can quickly triage compounds during early drug discovery. If successful, the same pathway could be adapted for other parasitic worm diseases, such as soil-transmitted helminths. The potential impact is a faster, more reliable route to new treatments that complement praziquantel. That would mean a more resilient drug arsenal against a disease that quietly disables communities across sub-Saharan Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia—without the drama of a crisis, but with real consequences for the people who depend on a single drug.