Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative

Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) logo

Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) is a collaborative, patients’ needs-driven, non-profit drug research and development (R&D) organization that is developing new treatments for neglected diseases, including leishmaniasis, sleeping sickness (human African trypanosomiasis), Chagas disease, malaria, filarial diseases, and pediatric HIV. DNDi was founded in 2003 by seven institutions and organizations from around the world, including Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the World Health Organization's Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), the Indian Council of Medical Research, Brazil's Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, the Kenya Medical Research Institute, the Ministry of Health of Malaysia, and the Pasteur Institute of France. The initiative was established in response to the lack of R&D for diseases that predominantly affect poor and marginalized populations in low- and middle-income countries.

Mission and Goals

The primary mission of DNDi is to research and develop new, improved, and accessible medicines for patients suffering from neglected diseases. It aims to fill the gap in drug development for neglected diseases, where commercial incentives for R&D are minimal due to the low financial return. DNDi also works to raise awareness and advocate for increased investment in the research and development of treatments for these diseases.

Research and Development

DNDi adopts an innovative, collaborative approach to drug development, partnering with governments, academia, the private sector, and other non-profit organizations. It focuses on the discovery and development of new drugs by repurposing existing ones, developing new chemical entities, and improving existing treatments. The initiative has successfully developed and delivered several treatments for neglected diseases, including a new oral treatment for sleeping sickness and a combination therapy for visceral leishmaniasis.

Achievements

Since its inception, DNDi has made significant contributions to the field of neglected diseases. It has developed and delivered six new treatments for neglected patients and has over a dozen new drug candidates in the pipeline. DNDi's work has not only provided lifesaving treatments to millions of patients but has also played a crucial role in shaping global health policies towards neglected diseases.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite its successes, DNDi faces ongoing challenges, including securing sustainable funding, navigating regulatory hurdles, and ensuring the affordability and accessibility of new treatments. Looking forward, DNDi aims to continue its work on existing diseases while also expanding its focus to include other neglected diseases and emerging health threats.

See Also

• Neglected Tropical Diseases
• Médecins Sans Frontières
• World Health Organization
• Research and Development
• Global Health