Anti-Cryptosporidium efficacy of BKI-1708, an inhibitor of Cryptosporidium calcium-dependent protein kinase 1.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Diarrheal pathogens, such as Cryptosporidium, impose a heavy burden of disease in resource-limited regions. Cryptosporidiosis often causes chronic infection in immunocompromised people and gastrointestinal injury in malnourished children, leading to wasting, stunting, and cognitive impairment. Current treatment for cryptosporidiosis fails in these vulnerable populations, highlighting the need for new medicines. Here we describe the anti-Cryptosporidium efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and safety of a bumped kinase inhibitor BKI-1708. BKI-1708 inhibits the essential molecular target, calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 (CDPK1), which is highly expressed in the major proliferative stages of the parasite life cycle.

Methods and findings

Efficacy was demonstrated in the Cry

SUBMITTER: Choi R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12310023 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature