Trends in research of antitrypanosomal agents among synthetic heterocycles

•Current trends in the research of heterocycles-based antitrypanosomal agents.•The problem of antitrypanosomal targets choice.•Well-known drugs and metal complexes as antitrypanosomal agents source.

To date treatment of trypanosomiasis urgently requires new effective and non-toxic drugs. The article covers some of the achievements in the search for new antitrypanosomal agents; also the “validated” biological targets used in the antitrypanosomal agents design are outlined. The major part of the manuscript focuses on the synthetic small molecules, such as thiosemicarbazone and thiazole (as their cyclic analogues) derivatives, benzofuran derivatives, heterocycles bearing nitro group etc. Also, the attractiveness of metal complexes and well known drugs as sources for antitrypanosomal agent design is discussed.

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