Prodrugs as new therapies against Chagas disease: in vivo synergy between Trypanosoma cruziproline racemase inhibitors and benznidazole

•Our novel compounds specifically inhibit T. cruziproline racemase (TcPRAC).•They covalently bind to TcPRAC in biochemical assays.•The corresponding ester prodrugs are effective at killing parasites in vitro.•JR1531 prodrug kills bioluminescent T. cruziparasites in mice.•This JR1531 action in mice is boosted when combined with low doses of benznidazole.