Fingerprinting critical therapeutic attributes: overcoming challenges to fulfil commercial potential – Early stages

Abstract

Aim: This research endeavour will determine and evaluate the mechanism of action of a modified coconut oil that has previously shown promising antimicrobial activity against the opportunistic infection, T. rubrum. Background: Dermatophyte disorders are among humanity’s most persistent parasitic associates, and by now have survived several generations of therapeutic regimens. One concern in particular is the clinical difficulty of obtaining permanent treatments for fungal infections in the distal and lateral subungual space of the human nail. Another current worry remains the limited number of antifungal treatments available on the market, and with the widespread use of a small selection of such agents, there is a fear of a potential rise in antifungal resistance. These issues highlight the demand for novel antifungal therapeutic agents and with scaffolds offered by nature becoming increasing popular, they might just be the perfect solution to combat the concerns. One such offering is under development by a research group in TUS Midlands.