• Visceral leishmaniasis, also known as kala-azar, is the deadliest parasitic disease after malaria that affects millions of people globally, particularly in Eastern Africa, South Asia, and Latin America.

• A promising new oral drug to treat visceral leishmaniasis has entered Phase II clinical trials in Ethiopia. 

• Another trial is ongoing in India to account for regional variations in patient response.

• The medication is called LXE408 and is developed through a partnership between the non-profit Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi) and Novartis.

• The drug is being tested as a potentially safer, more effective, and easier-to-access treatment option compared to current toxic intravenous medications that require hospitalization.

• If proven successful, LXE408 could help reduce the estimated 50,000-90,000 new visceral leishmaniasis cases reported annually.

• Hence this will help achieve WHO's 2030 target of eliminating the disease as a public health threat in East Africa and beyond.

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