diminazene

Diminazene is an aromatic diamidine and triazene derivative used primarily as a veterinary antiparasitic agent. It is most commonly formulated as its aceturate salt (diminazene aceturate). Diminazene is effective against protozoan parasites such as *Trypanosoma*, *Babesia*, and *Theileria* species in animals. It may also have activity against certain bacteria including *Brucella* and *Streptococcus*. The drug’s mechanism of action involves binding to adenine-thymine (A-T) rich regions of DNA in parasites, interfering with DNA replication by inhibiting mitochondrial type II topoisomerase and possibly affecting aerobic glycolysis. Diminazene has also been shown to activate angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), contributing to anti-inflammatory effects. Its precise mechanism remains incompletely understood but includes both nucleic acid binding and enzyme inhibition[1][3][5][6][7]. Diminazene is approved for veterinary use only; it is not approved for human use due to toxicity concerns such as potential liver, kidney, and brain damage[3]. Resistance has been reported in some regions for trypanosome infections[3]. The drug was first described in the mid-twentieth century.

Brand names

BerenilPirocideGanasagAzidin

Other names

diminazene aceturate