Researcher Fernando Zanchi of the Oswaldo Cruz Rondônia Foundation (Fiocruz) recently concluded a proposal for the development of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases, such as Leishmaniasis, Malaria and Chagas Disease. The physicist and doctor of biology built an experimental molecular model that contemplates several plants, including andiroba, copaíba dragon blood and sucupira, as well as snake toxins such as jararaca.

Fernando envisions the creation of a local industry for the production of these drugs, in partnership with Fiocruz/RO, to ensure the continuity of the research. "The difference is that unlike what happens with the world laboratories, the source is at our door," he says, referring to the fauna and flora of the state of Rondônia.

According to Zanchi, the application and ultimate goal of the project is to install a professional platform for rational drug prospecting, through the purification of biodiversity molecules followed by testing against other molecules, also isolated, from the cause of the disease.

“Dr. Fernando's research uses cutting-edge technology: applied bioinformatics, molecular cloning and expression, spectrophotometry, standard and high performance chromatography, medicinal chemistry, in silico and in vitro molecular interaction testing using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) ”Says Leandro Dill, president of the Foundation for the Support of the Development of Scientific and Technological Actions and Research of the State of Rondônia (Fapero).

Since 2014, of the 12 molecular targets of preselected pathogens, four models have been well solidified. According to Dill, in 2016 it was possible to duplicate them, and depending on the resources, increase them even more.

He points out that in the parasite and in humans, these molecular targets are distinct, so it is rational to think that toxic effects are mitigated, hence the forefront in the search for new drugs. “When a patent works, the project will be sustainable,” he believes.

The team led by Fernando Zanchi is composed of professionals specialized in various areas, who work on the three fronts of the research. Among them are Fiotec fellows, Sharon Macedo and Eduardo Botelho, biologist and computer scientist respectively.

With information from Portal Rondoniense.