60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, a company focused on developing medicines for infectious diseases, has entered a research partnership with Tulane University to study the drug tafenoquine as a potential treatment for bacteria linked to Lyme disease.
- What the Study is About
The research will examine how tafenoquine works against three key tick-borne pathogens:
- Bartonella
- Borrelia (which causes Lyme disease)
- Babesia
Together, these are often referred to as the “3Bs” and are known to cause long-lasting symptoms, even after Lyme disease treatment. The study will use cell cultures to monitor the drug's effectiveness.
Understanding Lyme Disease and PTLD
Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia bacteria, can sometimes lead to Post-Treatment Lyme Disease (PTLD), where symptoms persist even after the standard antibiotic treatment. Experts believe that lingering infections from Bartonella and Babesia could be behind many of these ongoing symptoms.
What is Tafenoquine (ARAKODA®)?
Tafenoquine is an antimalarial drug sold in the U.S. under the name ARAKODA®. It was originally developed by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and approved in 2018 for malaria prevention. Though it’s not currently approved to treat Lyme, Bartonella, or Babesia infections, the drug is being explored for its potential to treat co-infections related to tick-borne illnesses.
So far, its safety has been studied in several clinical trials. However, it’s important to note:
It’s not approved for treating Lyme or Bartonella.
It’s not recommended for people with psychiatric disorders, or lactating women if the infant has a G6PD deficiency.
What the Experts Are Saying
?️ Geoff Dow, CEO of 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, shared:
“This study aims to improve our understanding of tick-borne diseases, which urgently need better treatment options. Tulane’s research will help us explore tafenoquine’s potential for treating co-infections, especially in patients with babesiosis.”
Why This Matters
Tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease are on the rise, and many patients continue to suffer even after treatment. This partnership hopes to uncover whether tafenoquine, a drug already used for malaria, could become a new solution in the fight against chronic tick-borne infections.
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