A clue … but an expensive one

Studies of T. brucei have shown that it is totally dependent upon glycolysis (the breakdown of simple sugars) for the energy it needs to grow. Conceivably, a drug that selectively blocks glycolysis might slow down growth of T. brucei with fewer side effects than current treatments.

Unfortunately, no such drug is known, and with so many enzymes comprising glycolysis, it's difficult to know where to start looking for one. Each false lead costs time and millions of dollars.

back      continue