Discussion

New drugs and treatments for intracellular pathogens, like Leishmania, have proved to be some of the most difficult to develop. The focus of much research has been on the identification of potent and selective compounds that inhibit target enzymes (or other essential molecules) or are cidal to the causative pathogen. Although this remains an essential part of the drug R & D pathway, over the past decade more emphasis (new approaches, new methodologies) has been given to the challenges to ensure that anti-infective drugs (administered by different routes) reach the target pathogen, within the host cell, with appropriate distribution to the infected tissue/organ. The presentation and review will focus on how these challenges are being met in relation to Leishmania and leishmaniasis.