Disulfiram: A Repurposed Drug in Preclinical and Clinical Development for the Treatment of Infectious Diseases

Abstract

Abstract: This article reviews preclinical and clinical studies on the repurposed use of disulfiram (Antabuse) as an antimicrobial agent. Preclinical research covered on the alcohol sobriety aid includes uses as an anti-MRSA agent, a carbapenamase inhibitor, antifungal drug for candidiasis, and treatment for parasitic diseases due to protozoa (e.g., giardiasis, leishmaniasis, malaria) and helminthes (e.g., schistosomiasis, trichuriasis). Past, current, and pending clinical studies on di-sulfiram as a post-Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS) therapy, an HIV latency reversal agent, and intervention for COVID-19 infections are also reviewed.