<unk>  (INN) is a prodrug used in the treatment of East African (rhodesiense) human African trypanosomiasis. It is produced by Sanofi-Aventis and is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.
Freidheim demonstrated in 1949 the effects of<unk>  against late-state trypanosomiasis.<unk>  is the dimercaptopropanol derivative of melarsen oxide (Mel Ox), whose structure is shown below:
The main drug prescribed is Mel B, however, an alarming number of side effects occur from treatment. The active metabolite of Mel B is Mel Ox, which is taken up by the TbAT1 adenosine transporter in T. brucei brucei. Due to side effects similar to arsenic poisoning, other pharmacological agents have become first-line treatments for stage one of the disease and for certain trypanosomes.
Melarsoprol
Phthalylsulfathiazole
Quinalphos
Prothidathion
Mevinphos
Artemether
Quinine
Dimetacrine