ISNTD webinar on Mycetoma

On 25 November we attended an ISNTD (International Society for Neglected Tropical Diseases) webinar on Mycetoma diagnosis and treatment led by esteemed experts Wendy van de Sande (Erasmus MC), Matthew Todd (University College London School of Pharmacy) and Ed Zijlstra (Mycetoma/PKDL Expert, DNDi).

Unfortunately, due to the regions where Mycetoma is prevalent there are no effective drugs to treat Mycetoma. The most common type of Mycetoma (42.8% of cases) is caused by Madurella mycetomatis (black grains). Therefore, the main aim of the Open-Source project right now is to deliver an effective, safe, and affordable new drug for this specific fungus species. An exemplar model that we aspire to is a treatment called Fosravuconazole, developed in Japan, which is effective against a broad spectrum of fungal infections.

Matthew Todd spoke at length about the value of Open-Source research, which we are proud to be a part of. It has allowed us to meet field professionals and gain first-hand experience of tackling the real-world issue of Mycetoma. There was also some discussion around the Sevenoaks model and the potential for this to be rolled out across more schools. Having our contribution to the project acknowledged during the conference marks the direct impact of our research and serves as a means of further motivation, making us eager and keen to proceed in our research endeavors.

Mycetoma is a disease that requires more global attention. We are committed to the project and to do all we can to try and alleviate the sufferings caused by Mycetoma around the world.

 Andy Bishop and the Breaking Good service group

Video about the project made by Sevenoaks students

ISTND Mycetoma webinar