60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals Secures All Clinical Trial Sites For Tafenoquine Babesiosis Study

60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, Inc, specializing in the development of new treatments for infectious diseases, announced today the signing of clinical trial agreements with the three designated sites for the Tafenoquine for Babesiosis study, which is currently open for enrollment. The groundbreaking randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will be conducted at Tufts Medical Center, Yale University, and Rhode Island Hospital to assess the efficacy and safety of tafenoquine in treating human babesiosis. The study aims to enroll at least 24, and possibly up to 33, hospitalized patients suffering from relapsing babesiosis, with interim results expected by September 2025.

Dr. Geoff Dow, Chief Executive Officer of 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, said “Babesiosis is becoming a top concern within the infectious diseases healthcare community given the fact that accurate diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preventing progression to very serious phases of this illness. Today, a patient who reaches the relapsing stage of babesiosis has few effective treatment options. The Tafenoquine for Babesiosis clinical trial currently enrolling patients is anticipated to shed new light on how best to address the babesiosis treatment needs of this group. The team at 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals is pleased to partner with Tufts Medical Center, Yale University, and Rhode Island Hospital – three of the world’s leading medical centers – in this effort.”

A new study has found that combining tafenoquine with standard treatment yields a high cure rate in immunosuppressed patients with relapsing babesiosis, especially those for whom previous treatments were ineffective. Babesiosis, an increasingly common infectious disease, is caused by the Babesia parasite and transmitted through bites from black-legged (deer) ticks, the same vector responsible for spreading Lyme disease. This disease can be life-threatening for elderly and immunosuppressed individuals, with cases rising in the Northeastern United States. The total potential market for ARAKODA® (tafenoquine) in treating babesiosis, projected through the end of its U.S. patent protection in December 2035, is estimated at approximately 400,000 patients.