Indian researchers have developed a non-invasive, easy to administer, cost-effective and patient compliant potential therapeutic strategy against Visceral Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease. "The strategy based on nano-carrier-based oral drugs coated with Vitamin B12 enhanced oral bioavailability and efficacy of the therapy by more than 90 per cent," a release from the Department of Science & Technology (DST) said on Monday.

Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a complex infectious disease transmitted by the bite of female Phlebotomies and flies. It is a neglected tropical disease that affects millions annually, making it the second most common parasitic killer after malaria. The conventional treatment therapy of VL mainly involves painful intravenous administration, which imposes many treatment complications, including prolonged hospitalisation, high cost, and high risk of infection.