Anticancer agents suppressive for adult parasites of filariasis in Mongolian jirds.

Eight chemical structures not previously reported to possess antifilarial activity have been identified. A total of 79 compounds with anticancer properties were evaluated for possible macrofilaricidal activity against Brugia pahangi and Acanthocheilonema viteae transplanted into male Mongolian jirds (Meriones unguiculatus). All eight active compounds were suppressive for the onchocerciasis type (Acanthocheilonema viteae) of the disease. None was macrofilaricidal for the lymphatic form (Brugia pahangi). These new structures may represent a nucleus around which effective drugs can be synthesized.