New therapeutic approaches for equine protozoal myeloencephalitis: pharmacokinetics of diclazuril sodium salts in horses.

The research focuses on the application of diclazuril sodium salt in treating equine protozoal myeloencephalomyelitis (EPM), a disease affecting horses. The study reveals enhanced bioavailability of diclazuril when used in its sodium salt form, providing potential avenues for its application in treatment and disease prevention.

Study Overview

• The research is centered on diclazuril, a triazine-based antiprotozoal agent, and its sodium salt form.
• The main aim of the study is to understand whether converting diclazuril into its sodium salt form can enhance its bioavailability for treatment of EPM and various other Apicomplexan mediated diseases.
• The study involved administering diclazuril sodium salt to horses and assessing its absorption, distribution, and clearance levels.

Results and Findings

• In the study, diclazuril sodium salt was seen to be rapidly absorbed by the horses, with peak plasma concentrations noted within 8-24 hours following oral mucosal administration of the compound.
• The bioavailability of diclazuril when used as Clinacox was found to be 9.5% relative to its sodium salt form, indicating that the salt form was better absorbed by the body.
• Additionally, Diclazuril in DMSO administered orally was seen to be 50% less bioavailable than the sodium salt form, again highlighting the latter’s enhanced absorption capabilities by the body.
• These findings suggest that diclazuril sodium salt has a potential usage as a feed additive for treating and preventing EPM and other similar diseases mediated by Apicomplexan parasites.

Potential Implications

• The results of the study could be a significant breakthrough in the treatment and prophylaxis of EPM and similar diseases.
• With its potential use as a feed additive, the treatment of these diseases could be made easier and more efficient, as it would not necessarily require direct administration to affected horses, thereby reducing possible stress or harm caused by other means of treatment administration.
• If applied more widely, this research could also provide valuable insights into how the sodium salt forms of other drugs could improve their efficiency. This could potentially pave the way for more effective treatments for various diseases or ailments in horses and other animals.