Assessment of a Novel Fixed-dose Combination (FDC) Drug VR-AD-1005 for the Treatment of Acute Watery Diarrhea in Cholera

Cholera still remains a global public health concern affecting both children and adults, and patients can succumb in quick time if remain untreated. Cholera is a secretory diarrhea and is generally treated with oral or intravenous rehydration therapy to compensate for the fluid loss. However, antimicrobial treatment is given to patients with moderate to severe diarrhea. The consistent emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria is a major concern for the management of infectious diseases including cholera. No antisecretory drug has so far been proven successful. In a phase II clinical trial, the investigators will assess the effectiveness of a novel antisecretory drug VR-AD-1005 for treating cholera. Changes in stool volume and rehydration therapy will be assessed for VR-AD-1005 in comparison with placebo. If successful, this will be a huge advance in managing cholera and other secretory diarrhea. The introduction of the antisecretory drug can minimize the hospital stay and reduce antibiotic use, which in turn can reduce the emergence of antibiotic resistance among pathogens