Pharmacological efficacy and potential of the use of nitazoxanide, a thiazolide drug with a wide spectrum of action

Abstract

The article is devoted to the possibility and prospects of using nitazoxanide in a wide range of diseases. Based on literature data, the authors evaluate the pharmacological effectiveness and substantiate the potential of using nitazoxanide in bacterial, helminthic, protean, viral and oncological diseases. This information is of interest and can be used to decide on the need to conduct clinical trials of nitazoxanide in Russia. A systematic search for current information was conducted in four databases until December 1, 2023: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. The work included preclinical studies in vitro and in vivo, as well as randomized clinical trials comparing the pharmacological effectiveness of nitazoxanide and placebo. The broad-spectrum thiazolide drug nitazoxanide has antibacterial, antiprotozoal, anthelmintic, antiviral and antitumor activity. This is achieved through its pharmacological properties, namely: regulation of the cell cycle, apoptosis, cell proliferation and migration; activation of innate immunity; influence on the synthesis and activation of cell proteins, some of which are links in cellular signaling pathways; binding to proteins of viruses, bacteria, protozoa and helminths with disruption of their vital functions; immunomodulating effect by regulating the activity of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The article systematizes and summarizes current information on the pharmacodynamics of nitazoxanide, as well as the results of preclinical and clinical studies of the drug, and discusses further prospects.