HealthJuly 17, 2026
melarsoprol
/mɛˈlɑːrsəˌproʊl/
Definition
An arsenic-based medication historically used to treat certain parasitic infections, specifically human African trypanosomiasis, which is now facing reduced effectiveness due to drug resistance.
Etymology
The name is a portmanteau derived from 'melarsen' (an arsenic-containing organic compound) and 'dimercaprol' (a chelating agent originally developed as an antidote for arsenic poisoning). It reflects the complex chemistry of using metallic compounds in medical treatments.
In the news
The article identifies melarsoprol as one of several medicines losing its efficacy against neglected tropical diseases, highlighting the growing threat of parasite drug resistance.
Antimicrobial resistance
Read the full article ↗World Health Organization (WHO)