A UK city is leading the fight against one of the world's most deadly parasites - by trialling a new landmark treatment that could save thousands of lives a year. Visceral leishmaniasis is a tropical disease found in swathes of Asia, East Africa, and Brazil, and is transmitted through infected sand fly bites causing fever, fatigue and almost always fatal if left untreated.

Despite its fatalities the parasitic infection's garnered just limited research over the years, with current treatments needing painful daily jabs for 17 days and the drugs hard to keep cool and transport in hot climates. Now a new study based at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital is trialling a landmark oral drug that could overcome these barriers.

This study is testing an oral drug (DNDi-6899) would be easier to store, transport, and administered—potentially saving thousands of lives. 

The research is  a collaboration between the University Hospitals of Liverpool Group (UHLG), the University of Liverpool and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), a medical research non-profit organisation. 

Thrilled principle study investigator Professor Richard Fitzgerald said: "Visceral leishmaniasis claims thousands of lives every year. 

"Current treatments are often inaccessible to those who need them most, particularly in low-income regions where healthcare systems are limited. 

"This trial offers hope for a more practical and effective solution, one that could reach those most at risk and save countless lives. 

"It also reflects the skills and expertise here in Liverpool, showing that we are at the forefront of developing new medicines for a disease that affects people on the other side of the world." 

The two-week trial is currently recruiting volunteers from Liverpool and the surrounding areas, with several participants already having completed a screening process. 

It's being conducted at the NIHR Liverpool Clinical Research Facility (CRF) at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital and is funded by Wellcome. 

It is also part of the work done at the University’s Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (TherEx). The centre aims to improve health by optimising existing drugs and developing new treatments. 

Fellow researcher Professor Saye Khoo, from TherEx, said they hope their treatment can be stored in varying conditions. 

Prof Khoo added: "By collaborating with DNDi, we aim to develop a treatment that can be stored in varying conditions, delivered directly to vulnerable communities, and administered easily—without the need for hospitalisation."

While Dr Fabiana Alves, Director of leishmaniasis programme at DNDi said: "Visceral leishmaniasis affects the poorest of the poor and is linked to climate change, which can lead to its expansion to new areas. 

"One billion people are at risk globally. An estimated 50,000 to 90,000 new cases occur every year – most of them in Eastern Africa, where half of those infected are children under 15. 

"We urgently need better, effective, safe and patient-friendly medicines, and this Phase I trial in Liverpool is playing a critical role toward that goal." 

Sabrina Lamour-Julien, Research Lead in Therapeutics at Wellcome, said: "Neglected tropical diseases, including visceral leishmaniasis, are debilitating diseases that disproportionately affect the poorest communities. 

"Their absence from the global health agenda means there are limited treatment options. 

"This clinical trial is a great example of the progress already being made for visceral leishmaniasis, particularly with the focus on areas with the highest incidence of disease – providing hope for a treatment that is tailored specifically to benefit those most at risk. 

"It is a step in the right direction; we need to continue advancing research and innovation if we are to eliminate these diseases." 

Earlier this week we revealed how Liverpool had separately launched a new micro-disease research hub could make the UK the world's biggest player in the battle against cancers, mental health and deadly infections. 

Microbiomes are health-boosting organisms found in our bodies with potential as an alternative to antibiotics, with uses also in veterinary health and agriculture. 

Now the new Microbiome and Infectious Disease Innovation Hub (MaID) in Merseyside will explore the healthcare potential of the microorganisms - offering new approaches for tackling cancer, mental health disorders and the global threat of antimicrobial resistance. 

The hub, which has been given more than £1m in Life Sciences Innovation Zone funding, would also support around 60 businesses operating in the field.