Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is one of the most devastating neglected diseases in
terms of social and economic impact, disabling and disfiguring infected individuals. The
infection occurs by parasitic filarial nematode worms that are transmitted between
humans by blood-sucking insects. These parasites are known to have affected
individuals in 81 countries, mostly in developing areas. Despite the epidemiological
importance of this disease, current therapies have low effectiveness and a combined
therapy has been adopted as the standard treatment. To interrupt transmission, the WHO
recommends an annual mass drug distribution in endemic areas; however, this annual
mass drug distribution program has resulted in an increase in nematode resistance. This
type of program also depends on the availability of the required drugs, such as
diethylcarbamazine, ivermectin, and albendazole. Some aspects of the production of
these drugs are described in this chapter. Although clinically well characterized, there is
an urgent need for innovative drugs for the treatment of neglected tropical diseases, and
recent findings from structural chemistry studies could lead to safe, effective, and lowcost
treatments for LF infection.
Keywords: Lymphatic filariasis, filariae, macrolides, albendazole, DEC, drug
discovery.