@article{103806,
  keywords = {Systematic review, Global health, Neglected Diseases, Drug Therapy, Evidence gaps},
  author = {Silva JBDD and Fernandez-Llimos F and Borba HHL},
  title = {Pharmacological therapies for neglected tropical diseases: a systematic review and evidence gap mapping},
  abstract = {<p><strong>Background:</strong></p>

<p>Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) comprise 21 endemic infections that affect over one billion people worldwide. This study mapped and identified evidence gaps regarding pharmacological therapies for all WHO-recognized NTDs.</p>

<p><strong>Methods:</strong></p>

<p>We systematically searched PubMed for systematic reviews (SRs) and randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and the ClinicalTrials.gov database for ongoing RCTs. Methodological quality was assessed using the AMSTAR-2 for SRs and the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for RCTs. Data were synthesized into evidence and gap maps, and the distribution of evidence was analyzed according to quality.</p>

<p><strong>Results:</strong></p>

<p>Twenty-four maps were developed, including 74 SRs, 500 RCTs, and 70 ongoing clinical trials; of these, only seven SRs and 17 RCTs were rated as high quality or as having a low risk of bias, respectively. Trachoma exhibited the highest number of evidence gaps, while Buruli ulcer had the lowest. Taeniasis/cysticercosis presented the highest proportion (31.8%) of high-quality SRs, whereas Chagas disease showed the highest proportion of RCTs with a low risk of bias (18.4%).</p>

<p><strong>Conclusions:</strong></p>

<p>Significant gaps remain in the evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of pharmacological treatments for WHO-recognized NTDs. The currently available evidence is predominantly of low methodological quality and is often insufficient to support robust therapeutic conclusions, highlighting the urgent need for rigorously designed clinical trials.</p>
},
  year = {2026},
  journal = {Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical},
  volume = {59},
  pages = {1 - 6},
  month = {06/2026},
  publisher = {FapUNIFESP (SciELO)},
  issn = {1678-9849, 0037-8682},
  url = {https://www.scielo.br/j/rsbmt/a/mvKTYmp5rNFknXrqGXtLnJC/?format=pdf&lang=en},
  doi = {10.1590/0037-8682-0056-2026},
  language = {ENG},
}