Boron-containing small molecules as antiprotozoal agents

Abstract

This invention provides, among other things, novel compounds useful for treating protozoal infections, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, as well as combinations of these compounds with at least one additional therapeutically effective agent.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of killing and/or preventing the growth of a protozoa, comprising: contacting the protozoa with an effective amount of the compound having a structure according to the following formula: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein
 X is selected from the group consisting of substituted phenyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl and unsubstituted cycloalkyl; 
 R 3a  is selected from the group consisting of H, unsubstituted C 1  or C 2  or C 3  or C 4  or C 5  or C 6  alkyl and unsubstituted C 3  or C 4  or C 5  or C 6  cycloalkyl; 
 R 3b  is selected from the group consisting of H, unsubstituted C 1  or C 2  or C 3  or C 4  or C 5  or C 6  alkyl and unsubstituted C 3  or C 4  or C 5  or C 6  cycloalkyl; 
 with the proviso that R 3a  and R 3b , along with the atom to which they are attached, are optionally joined to form a 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 membered ring with the proviso that R 3a  and R 3b  cannot both be H 
 
       or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, thereby killing and/or preventing the growth of the protozoa. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the protozoa is a trypanosomatid.