Simultaneous loading of miltefosine and pentamidine in micelles and micellar gels of poloxamines for the treatment of leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis (LS) is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) with high morbidity and mortality, considered the second leading cause of death worldwide by a parasitic agent after malaria. The available drugs against LS exhibit high toxicity and long duration schedules that can be overcome with more efficient formulations. Tetronic®, a family of block copolymers with temperature and pH-responsiveness, can encapsulate miltefosine, a phospholipid with activity against various parasite species, as well as pentamidine, used to treat LS. Our objective in this proposal is to elucidate by SANS the structures formed by Tetronic aggregates loaded with both drugs under physiological conditions. The experiments will be conducted at the diluted (micelles) and concentrated regimes (gels, intended for topical application in cutaneous LS). The ultimate goal is the design of formulations for the treatment of NTDs based on dual combination therapy, in which the drugs act at lower concentrations, thus reducing the side effects while keeping their therapeutic action. This proposal is a continuation of RB2210097 experiment.