Platinum(II) and Ruthenium(II) complexes in medicine: Antimycobacterial and Anti-HIV activities

Abstract Approximately 100 million people worldwide are affected by M. Tuberculosis (Mtb), a contagious disease which causes death in humans and is considered to be quite deadly throughout the world (about 1.5 million deaths annually). Approximately 20% of these deaths are attributed to strains that are resistant to drugs for combating TB. This situation is further exacerbated by the spread of HIV/AIDS worldwide. Consequently, it is important to identify and fully develop new therapeutic targets in the fight against Mtb. Treatment, over the past decades, has essentially shown limited efficacy and/or undesirable side effects. Due to the high mortality rate of TB and the increase in strains that are resistant to drugs, the exploration and synthesis of novel and more effective treatment regimens with less undesirable side effects is imperative. Two approaches are being considered a) chemical modification of currently used drugs with the intention of reducing the time for treatment and b) the exploration and synthesis of new and novel compounds which are more effective. In this regard, several transition metal complexes have been identified as potential chemotherapeutic agents against TB and HIV. Recently, the focus has been on the use of platinum and ruthenium complexes as alternative metal-based antimycobacterial and anti-HIV therapeutic agents. This minireview focuses on recent developments in the use of Pt and Ru complexes as novel therapeutic agents for TB and HIV.