The Leishmaniasis East Africa Platform (LEAP): strengthening clinical trial capacity in resource-limited countries to deliver new treatments for visceral leishmaniasis

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2016 Jun;110(6):321-3. doi: 10.1093/trstmh/trw031. Epub 2016 Jun 7.

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease endemic in East Africa where improved patient-adapted treatments are needed. The Leishmaniasis East Africa Platform (LEAP) was created in 2003 to strengthen clinical research capacity, serve as a base for training, and evaluate and facilitate implementation of new treatments. Major infrastructure upgrades and personnel training have been carried out. A short course of Sodium Stibogluconate and Paramomycin (SSG&PM) was evaluated and is now first-line treatment in the region; alternative treatments have also been assessed. LEAP can serve as a successful model of collaboration between different partners and countries when conducting clinical research in endemic countries to international standards.

Keywords: Capacity building; Clinical trial; East Africa; Kala-azar; LEAP; Leishmaniasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Africa, Eastern
  • Antimony Sodium Gluconate / therapeutic use*
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Biomedical Research* / education
  • Capacity Building*
  • Cooperative Behavior*
  • Endemic Diseases
  • Humans
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / therapy*
  • Neglected Diseases
  • Paromomycin / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Paromomycin
  • Antimony Sodium Gluconate