Synthesis and Evaluation of Anthelmintic and Cytotoxic Properties of Bis- 1,3-Azole Analogs of Natural Products

Anthelmintic discovery and development in the animal health industry

Most modern anthelmintics used against human pathogens have come from the animal health (AH) industry. Historically, new molecules were discovered empirically, but recent developments in genomic and screening technologies have significantly enhanced the opportunities for target-based identification of novel therapies. However, drug discovery and development is still a complicated and costly process with high attrition. Absence of a return in investment for tropical parasitic diseases makes it difficult for large pharmaceutical companies to justify seeking antiparasitics for less developed countries in isolation. A partnership in which there is a sharing of costs and leveraging of resources is one way forward and is reflected in the new paradigm of 'integrated drug discovery', where collaborations and networks of academic institutions and industry are working together towards the discovery of new treatments for tropical parasitic diseases.

Toward the Total Synthesis of Scleritodermin A: Preparation of the C(1)-N(15) Fragment

The synthesis of the C(1)-N(15) fragment of the marine natural product Scleritodermin A has been accomplished through a short and stereocontrolled sequence. Highlights of this route include the synthesis of the novel ACT fragment and the formation of the alpha-keto amide linkage by the use of a highly activated alpha, beta-ketonitrile.