New analysis maps gaps in neglected tropical diseases clinical research
A new analysis has identified important clinical research gaps in neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), highlighting where greater research investment is needed to support the World Health Organization's (WHO) goal of eliminating NTDs by 2030.
The study, A snapshot of selected neglected tropical disease research using the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform database, 1999–2023, has been published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.
IDDO and WHO researchers reviewed 315 clinical study registrations in the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) submitted between January 1999 and September 2023. The analysis covered Chagas disease, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases and visceral leishmaniasis. The WHO ICTRP database brings together records from multiple international clinical trial registries, providing a comprehensive overview of global research activity.
The researchers explored the location of these studies, as well as how the studies were designed, age range included, what clinical phase they were in and population access.
An analysis of these factors found that several countries, where these diseases are endemic, had few or no registered clinical studies. There was also a lack of multi-country studies, even though these increase the external validity of results and encourage regional partnerships, which contribute to stronger evidence generation. For Chagas disease, relatively few studies included children, even though this is an infection which often occurs in early childhood.
The study authors recommend increased research in underrepresented countries and a more multinational studies to strengthen the evidence base for treatment and disease surveillance. The results from this study are important to inform researchers, clinicians, funders and policymakers about evidence gaps and to guide funding.
IDDO statistician Rhys Peploe, who is the first author on the study, said: “This analysis explored clinical NTD research using records indexed in the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, with a particular focus on equity in research.
“We identified several countries affected by NTDs that have not been the location of any ICTRP-indexed clinical studies. This means certain populations are consistently not recruited, consequently, there exist gaps in the population specific impact of treatment and management of these NTDs.
“Neglected tropical diseases have devastating impacts on communities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to healthcare and treatments is often limited.”
NTDs are a diverse group of conditions caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins. According to the WHO, they affect more than one billion people worldwide and disproportionately impact communities living in poverty.
Dr Caitlin Naylor, IDDO Senior Programme Manager, said: “Knowing when, where and how clinical studies investigating these diseases are being conducted helps researchers, clinicians, policymakers and funders identify research gaps and make informed decisions.
“By understanding where evidence is missing, resources can be directed more effectively and research can be targeted where it is needed most, ultimately benefiting people affected by these diseases.”
Read the full paper: A snapshot of selected neglected tropical disease research using the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform database, 1999–2023