L-Eflornithine

L-Eflornithine is a small molecule that acts as a polyamine synthesis inhibitor. It is the L-enantiomer of eflornithine, which is currently used as a racemic mixture for the treatment of late-stage gambiense human African trypanosomiasis (g-HAT), also known as sleeping sickness. L-Eflornithine has demonstrated greater in vitro antitrypanosomal potency compared to its D-enantiomer. While the racemic mixture is administered intravenously, there is ongoing research and clinical investigation into developing an oral L-eflornithine-based treatment, potentially in combination with nifurtimox, to improve accessibility and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.

Other names

l-eflornithine