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Eflornithine


Mechanism of action:

Eflornithine is an ornithine derivative. It irreversibly inhibits ornithine decarboxylase, the enzyme that converts ornithine into putrescine, which is then used to produce molecules such as spermine and spermidine. Because Trypanosoma brucei depends heavily on these molecules, inhibition of its ornithine decarboxylase by eflornithine causes the parasite to stop growing and gradually die.

Reference(s):

1. Namazi MR et al. (2008). Hypothesis: the potential utility of topical eflornithine against cutaneous leishmaniasis. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 


2. Priotto G et al. (2008). Safety and effectiveness of first line eflornithine for Trypanosoma brucei gambiense sleeping sickness in Sudan: cohort study. BMJ.

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