Dealing with schistosomiasis: Current drug discovery strategies

Schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases, accounting for heavy socioeconomical and health burden in endemic countries. The control of this neglected tropical disease mainly relies on mass drug administration of praziquantel, the only effective, safe and affordable drug currently available for both treatment and prevention. New drugs against schistosomiasis are urgently needed for both control and elimination of this pathogenic agent. The most recent hit and lead compounds as potential antischistosomal agents and the strategies used for their identification will be reviewed