Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

Sbv

Sbv is a pentavalent antimonial compound that kills Leishmania parasites by generating reactive oxygen species and disrupting parasite metabolism.

Sbv is a pentavalent antimonial compound that kills Leishmania parasites by generating reactive oxygen species and disrupting parasite metabolism. Used for Visceral leishmaniasis, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Sbv (sodium stibogluconate or related pentavalent antimony formulation) acts as a leishmanicidal agent through oxidative stress induction and inhibition of parasite glycolysis and fatty acid oxidation. The drug accumulates in infected macrophages and parasitophorous vacuoles, where it generates reactive oxygen species that damage parasite DNA and proteins, leading to parasite death.

Approved indications

• Visceral leishmaniasis
• Cutaneous leishmaniasis
• Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis

Common side effects

• Cardiotoxicity (QT prolongation, arrhythmias)
• Pancreatitis
• Hepatotoxicity
• Nephrotoxicity
• Arthralgia/myalgia
• Injection site reactions

Key clinical trials

• Tofacitinib Associated With Meglumine Antimoniate in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (PHASE2, PHASE3)
• Topical Sm29 in Combination With Meglumine Antimoniate in the Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. (PHASE1, PHASE2)
• Restylane® Skinboosters™ Vital in the décolletage Region (PHASE4)
• Miltefosine and GM-CSF in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (PHASE3)

Primary sources

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