Dual inhibition of the energy metabolism.

Alveolar echinococcosis is caused by the metacestode stage of the zoonotic parasite . Current chemotherapeutic treatment options rely on benzimidazoles, which have limited curative capabilities and can cause severe side effects. Thus, novel treatment options are urgently needed.

The importance of being parasiticidal… an update on drug development for the treatment of alveolar echinococcosis.

The lethal disease alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is caused by the metacestode stage of the fox tapeworm . Current chemotherapeutical treatment of AE relies on albendazole and mebendazole, with the caveat that these compounds are not parasiticidal. Drugs have to be taken for a prolonged period of time, often life-long, which can cause adverse effects and reduces the patients' quality of life.