Dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors: new developments in antiparasitic chemotherapy

Abstract

Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) inhibitors are an important class of therapeutic compounds including antiparasitic agents. They are used in the treatment and prophylaxis of major infectious diseases, such as malaria, toxoplasmosis and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Research of new DHFR inhibitors compounds is largely driven by the search for new anticancer agents as there is little economic interest for private pharmaceutical firms to undertake antiparasitic drug discovery activities. This mini-review describes the patent literature in the field of relevant human and animal parasites focussing on the period 1997 to 2000.

• DHFR
• dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors
• Neospora
• Plasmodium
• Pneumocystis
• Toxoplasma