60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals and Tulane University Partner to Research Tafenoquine for Lyme and Bartonella

60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a company specializing in the development of medicines for infectious diseases, has announced a new research collaboration with Tulane University. This agreement focuses on assessing the efficacy of tafenoquine, an antimalarial drug, against the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease and Bartonella-related infections, which are transmitted through tick bites. These bacteria, along with Babesia, are often found in patients suffering from tick-borne diseases, commonly referred to as the "3Bs" in the Lyme disease community.

The CEO of 60 Degrees Pharma, Geoff Dow, emphasized the importance of this study in addressing the growing demand for effective treatments for these rapidly spreading diseases. Acute Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia spp., and its symptoms can persist even after treatment, leading to a condition known as post-treatment Lyme disease (PTLD). It is hypothesized that this condition may be exacerbated by the low-level presence of Babesia and Bartonella in the body, each capable of causing ongoing illness with overlapping symptoms.

Tafenoquine, marketed as ARAKODA®, is an 8-aminoquinoline drug that has received approval in the United States for malaria prevention. This drug's safety profile has been evaluated in several randomized, double-blind trials for up to a year. While tafenoquine shows promise in ongoing babesiosis trials, it has not yet been proven effective for treating or preventing infections caused by Borrelia or Bartonella, and it is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for these indications.

Originally discovered by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, tafenoquine was approved in 2018 for malaria prophylaxis in the United States and Australia, where it is sold under the brand names ARAKODA® and KODATEF®, respectively. The drug is distributed through pharmaceutical networks and requires a prescription for use. Its long terminal half-life of approximately 16 days allows for less frequent dosing, making it a convenient option for those traveling to malaria-endemic regions. However, it is crucial that patients and prescribers carefully review its safety information since it is not suitable for everyone.

The safety of ARAKODA® is a key consideration, with specific contraindications and potential adverse effects. Individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency or unknown G6PD status should not take ARAKODA®. Additionally, it is not recommended for those with a history of psychotic disorders or hypersensitivity to its components. Before prescribing ARAKODA®, patients must be tested for G6PD deficiency due to the risk of hemolytic anemia. There are also warnings regarding its use during pregnancy and lactation, as well as potential psychiatric effects and hypersensitivity reactions.

60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, Inc., established in 2010, aims to develop and commercialize new treatments for infectious diseases, with ARAKODA® being its flagship product. The company collaborates with leading research organizations globally and has received support from the U.S. Department of Defense and private investors. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with a subsidiary in Australia, the company continues to innovate in the field of infectious disease treatment and prevention.

Overall, this collaboration with Tulane University represents an important step in exploring the full potential of tafenoquine beyond its current use as a malaria prophylactic, with the hope of addressing the challenges posed by tick-borne diseases.