The development of novel polymeric delivery systems for the controlled release of therapeutic agents to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases

Abstract

The potential for zoonotic transmission - a disease transmitted from animals to people - of many disease pathogens is a significant concern worldwide. It is estimated that 60 of human emerging infectious diseases, including COVID-19, are zoonotic [1]. Our research addresses zoonoses associated with livestock that are mainly caused by helminth endoparasites. Fenbendazole or methyl N-(6-phenylsulfanyl-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)carbamate is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic from the class of organic compounds known as benzimidazoles [2]. Despite its pharmacological potential, fenbendazole has a limited application in oral pharmaceutical dosage forms due to its low aqueous solubility and poor absorption from the gastrointestinal tract [3]. The aim of this research is to develop a range of novel controlled release bolus devices to avoid spreading zoonotic diseases from cattle to humans contributing to improve animal welfare and food safety.