Our episode last week ended on a hopeful note, a rare occurrence for this podcast, and it was due in large part to the incredible decline in reported cases of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) over the past decade. In this bonus episode, we explore one of the major reasons behind this drop in HAT: the new medication fexinidazole, developed through a partnership between the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), a non-profit organization dedicated to developing new treatments for neglected diseases and Sanofi, a French healthcare company. We are thrilled to be joined by two researchers from DNDi, Dr. Nathalie Strub-Wourgaft and Dr. Wilfried Mutombo Kalonji, who share their insights into the challenges associated with bringing a medication all the way from its development stage, to testing it in the field, and finally ensuring that access is provided for those who need it most. We also chat about how this treatment works, the impact that COVID-19 has had on screening efforts for sleeping sickness, the lessons learned from fexinidazole’s development, and so much more. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts! And when you’re finished with the ep, check out this beautiful video from DNDi chronicling the story of fexinidazole: A doctor’s dream: A pill for sleeping sickness.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Special Episode: Dr. Charan Ranganath & Why We Remember
Ep 153 Alpha-Gal Syndrome: A tick bite gone bad
Ep 152 Hemochromatosis: Ironing out the details
Special Episode: Dan Egan & The Devil’s Element
Ep 151 Stethoscope: Lub dub
Ep 150 Norovirus: Tip of the poop iceberg
Special Episode: Maria Smilios & The Black Angels
Ep 149 Poison Control Part 2: Call me maybe
Ep 148 Poison Control Part 1: Who you gonna call?
Special Episode: Ben Goldfarb & Crossings
Ep 147 Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumor Disease: Sympathy for the Devil
Ep 146 Celiac Disease: Rootin tootin gluten
Special Episode: Dr. Rageshri Dhairyawan & Unheard
Ep 145 IVF, Part 3: Industry
Ep 144 IVF, Part 2: Invention
Ep 143 IVF, Part 1: Infertility
Special Episode: Dr. Noah Whiteman & Most Delicious Poison
Ep 142 Leeches: It’s more powerful than magic, it’s nature
Special Episode: Dr. Paul Offit & Tell Me When It’s Over
Ep 141 Maggots: Such noble work
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free