Benznidazole is a trypanocidal agent used to treat Chagas disease. Benznidazole was granted accelerated approval for the treatment of Chagas disease in children 2-12 years of age by the FDA on August 29, 2017.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 3 references
Benznidazole is thought to be reduced to various electrophilic metabolites by nitroreductases present in Trypanosoma cruzi. These metabolites likely bind to proteins, lipids, DNA, and RNA resulting in damage to these macromolecules. Benznidazole has been found to increase trypanosomal death through interferon-γ which is likely present in increased amounts due to inflammation caused by macromolecule damage. DNA in parasites affected by benznidazole has been found to undergo extensive unpacking with overexpression of DNA repair proteins supporting the idea of DNA damage contributing to the mechanism of the drug.
- Primary indication
- For use in the treatment of Chagas disease in children 2-12 years of age.Curator reviewed · 1 structured indication
- Formula / weight
- C12H12N4O3 · 260.253 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- United States, 2018
- Code names
- NSC-299972 · RO 07-1051 · Ro 71051
Resolves to
CULUWZNBISUWAS-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILES[O-][N+](=O)C1=NC=CN1CC(=O)NCC1=CC=CC=C1What you can answer from here — as of July 07, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Benznidazole, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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