POPULARITY
Is chronic babesiosis finally getting the scientific attention it deserves?In this episode of Integrative Lyme Solutions, Dr. K sits down with Dr. Geoff Dow, CEO & President of Sixty Degrees Pharmaceuticals, to discuss a groundbreaking clinical trial targeting chronic babesiosis — a common and often overlooked Lyme co-infection. Originally developed for malaria prevention, the drug Tafenoquine (brand name Kodatef®) is now being studied for its potential to treat persistent Babesia infections and Lyme-related fatigue.They explore the science behind red blood cell parasites, how Babesia differs from malaria, why chronic babesiosis remains controversial, and what makes this new trial the first FDA-reviewed IND study focused on chronic disease. If you or a loved one struggle with Lyme-related fatigue, relapsing babesiosis, or limited treatment options, this conversation offers cautious optimism and a closer look at the future of targeted therapies.Key Takeaways:0:00 Introduction3:10 From Malaria Drug Development to Lyme Co-Infections6:45 How Babesia Infects Red Blood Cells and Causes Fatigue10:40 Why Chronic Babesiosis Is Still Controversial14:50 No FDA-Approved Drugs Specifically for Babesiosis18:30 New Clinical Trials for Chronic and Relapsing Babesiosis24:00 Measuring Fatigue as a Primary Endpoint in Chronic DiseaseResources Mentioned:Sixty Degrees Pharmaceuticals - https://www.sixtydegreespharma.comKodatef® (Tafenoquine) Information - Available via company website aboveMount Sinai (Clinical Trial Site) - https://www.mountsinai.orgYale Babesiosis Case Series (Referenced Study) - https://medicine.yale.eduMedical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or replace professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment decisions. _______________________________The Karlfeldt Center offers the most cutting-edge and comprehensive Lyme therapies. To schedule a Free 15-Minute Discovery Call with a Lyme Literate Naturopathic Doctor at The Karlfeldt Center, call 208-338-8902 or email info@TheKarlfeldtCenter.comCheck out Dr. K's Ebook: Breaking Free From Lyme: A Comprehensive Guide to Healing and Recovery here: https://store.thekarlfeldtcenter.com/products/breaking-free-from-lymeUse the code LYMEPODCAST for a 100% off discount!
Dr. Geoff Dow, CEO of 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals and former malaria drug developer at Walter Reed, joins the Tick Boot Camp Podcast to unpack the science and strategy behind treating babesiosis. Drawing parallels to malaria, Dow explains why tafenoquine (brand: Arakoda), FDA-approved for malaria prevention, is being studied for Babesia, how coinfections (Borrelia, Bartonella) complicate care, and why chronic illness needs a different clinical approach. He previews an upcoming Mount Sinai trial for chronic babesiosis focused on fatigue outcomes and discusses real-world diagnostics using FDA-approved blood donor screening plus PCRs from Galaxy Diagnostics and Mayo Clinic. The conversation also touches on prophylaxis concepts, immune dysregulation, and building a clearer path from anecdote to evidence for the tick-borne disease community. Guest Geoff Dow, BSc, MBA, PhD CEO & Board Member, 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals Background: Biotechnology (Perth, Australia), PhD in malaria drug discovery, decade at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, MBA in the U.S. Leads clinical programs exploring tafenoquine for babesiosis. Key Topics & Takeaways Malaria ↔ Babesiosis Parallels: Both are red-blood-cell parasites; acute symptoms driven by red cell destruction. Similar drug targets justify testing some anti-malarials against Babesia. Why Tafenoquine (Arakoda): An 8-aminoquinoline that induces oxidative stress in RBCs; distinct mechanism from atovaquone + azithromycin combo (current standard for acute babesiosis), potentially useful for resistance management. Chronic vs. Acute Disease: Acute babesiosis in immunocompetent patients often responds to standard care; chronic illness remains under-defined and underserved. Coinfections Are Common: Many chronically ill patients present with Borrelia, Bartonella, and Babesia together; diagnostics and treatment need to acknowledge polymicrobial reality. Upcoming Clinical Trial (Mount Sinai): Population: Chronic babesiosis with disabling fatigue, plus Babesia symptoms (e.g., air hunger, anemia) and lab evidence in the last 12 months. Regimen: 4-day loading dose then 200 mg weekly of tafenoquine for 3 months. Outcomes: Patient-reported fatigue (quality-of-life) + monthly molecular testing (FDA blood donor test, Galaxy Diagnostics PCR, Mayo Clinic PCR) during treatment and 3 months post-therapy. Goals: Demonstrate symptom improvement, assess eradication signals, and validate accessible diagnostics against an FDA-accepted assay. Prophylaxis & Post-Exposure Ideas: Animal data suggest short-course tafenoquine can eradicate early Babesia; human prophylaxis trials face feasibility and regulatory hurdles. Diagnostics Gap: Need for standardized, sensitive tools to define chronic babesiosis and track response. This trial also serves as a real-world diagnostic comparison. Immune Dysregulation & IACI: Overlap among long COVID, ME/CFS, post-treatment Lyme—shared theme of immune dysregulation with possible persistent antigen stimulation. Safety Notes: G6PD deficiency is relevant to 8-aminoquinolines; established safety database exists for malaria prevention dosing—critical as studies expand to babesiosis. Notable Quotes “You've got to put some lines in the sand—run the trial, collect data, and move the field forward.” “The best we can do for chronic disease starts with defining it—and validating the diagnostics we use to track it.” “8-aminoquinolines offer a different mechanism than current babesiosis standards—key for resistance and combinations.” Resources Mentioned Arakoda (tafenoquine): FDA-approved for malaria prevention; under study for babesiosis. Diagnostics: FDA-approved Babesia blood donor screen; Galaxy Diagnostics PCR; Mayo Clinic PCR. Organizations & Events: ILADS, Global Lyme Alliance, tick-borne disease conferences. Research Partners: Mount Sinai (NYC), Tulane University (Bartonella/Borrelia collaboration). Who Should Listen Patients with chronic Lyme or chronic babesiosis symptoms (fatigue, air hunger, anemia) Clinicians seeking updates on Babesia treatment research and diagnostics Caregivers and advocates tracking IACI and immune dysregulation science Researchers exploring antimalarial repurposing for tick-borne diseases Call to Action Subscribe to Tick Boot Camp and share this episode with someone navigating chronic tick-borne illness.
Join us for a special live episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast from the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Conference! In this interview, we sit down with Dr. Geoff Dow, an Australian-born researcher specializing in malaria and infectious diseases. Dr. Dow shares his journey from veterinary and biomedical sciences to his groundbreaking work at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and the founding of 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, a company dedicated to combating tropical and infectious diseases. Key Takeaways: Dr. Dow's expertise in malaria research has provided valuable insights into treating Babesia, a parasite closely related to malaria. Tafenoquine, an FDA-approved drug for malaria prevention, has shown promise in experimental models and off-label use for Babesiosis treatment. He emphasizes the importance of clinical data to secure FDA approval for tafenoquine as a Babesiosis treatment, a growing concern in the Lyme disease community. The discussion covers the challenges of off-label drug use and the need for safe and effective medical education regarding new treatment options. Dr. Dow outlines the timeline for FDA approval, estimating 2-3 years if clinical trials are successful. Resources & Links: Follow the latest ILADS updates at ILADS.org Learn more about Dr. Geoff Dow and 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals: News Release Stay connected with Tick Boot Camp: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter (X)
60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals CEO Geoff Dow joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share the company's financial results for the second quarter of 2024 with Proactive, highlighting significant progress in both revenue growth and clinical development. Focused on developing new medicines for infectious diseases, the company saw its Q2 2024 net product revenues double year-over-year to $125,000. Additionally, quarter-over-quarter net product revenue increased by 18.3%, while gross profit rose to $35,000, reflecting a strong financial performance for the quarter. During this period, 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals achieved a major milestone by enrolling the first patient in its clinical trial of tafenoquine for Babesiosis at Tufts Medical Center. Tafenoquine, which has received FDA Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of patients with acute Babesiosis, represents a significant step forward in addressing this rare but serious tick-borne illness. This designation not only recognizes the potential of tafenoquine as a treatment option but also provides certain benefits that could expedite its development and approval process. Dow also discussed a key collaboration with the University of Kentucky, where the company has granted the university a right of reference to its New Drug Application (NDA) for ARAKODA. ARAKODA, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018, is an anti-malarial medication indicated for the prophylaxis of malaria in patients aged 18 years and older. This right of reference will allow the FDA to review critical clinical efficacy and safety data, as well as non-clinical and manufacturing information related to ARAKODA, as part of its review of the University of Kentucky's investigational SJ733 Phase IIb program. This collaboration not only underscores 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals' commitment to advancing treatments for infectious diseases but also enhances the potential impact of its existing portfolio in combating other serious illnesses. With a strong financial footing and ongoing clinical advancements, 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals is well-positioned to make significant strides in the field of infectious disease treatment. #proactiveinvestors #60degreespharmaceuticalsinc #nasdaq #sxtp #sxtpw #Pharmaceuticals #InfectiousDiseases #MalariaPrevention #Babesiosis #ARAKODA #ClinicalTrials #Q22024 #RevenueGrowth #FDAApproval #Biotech ```#invest #investing #investment #investor #stockmarket #stocks #stock #stockmarketnews
The single-dose malaria medication for children could open the door to approvals of the treatment in PNG and Solomon Islands
Agent Orange, Mefloquine, PCB's, ... Soldiers are often exposed to toxic, and even lethal substances with the full knowledge of their superiors. This puts the Government on the hook, and they cover their ass every single time. Deny, Deny, Deny.... Here is how to know if you have Mefloquine poisoning, and what to do about it. Mefloquine is also known as Lariam, Tafenoquine, Krintafel, and Arakoda. Dr. Remington Nevin, https://remingtonnevin.com/index.html https://atip-aiprp.apps.gc.ca/atip/welcome.do The Quinism Foundation https://quinism.org/ https://foothillsintegrative.com/ https://innergycomprehensive.ca/ http://www.drzukiwski.com/ http://neurofield.org/provider-directory/ http://www.kipn.org/ https://brockpsychologicalservices.com/our-team/ https://veteranshouse.ca/ Symptoms of mefloquine poisoning The term “quinism” may seem new, but the symptoms of poisoning by mefloquine (previously marketed as Lariam®), tafenoquine (marketed as Krintafel® and Arakoda™), chloroquine (marketed as Aralen®), and related quinoline drugs are all too familiar: Tinnitus. Dizziness. Vertigo. Paresthesias. Visual disturbances. Gastroesophageal and intestinal problems. Nightmares. Insomnia. Sleep apnea. Anxiety. Agoraphobia. Paranoia. Cognitive dysfunction. Depression. Personality change. Suicidal thoughts. These symptoms are not “side effects”. They are symptoms of poisoning by a class of drug that is neurotoxic and that injures the brain and brainstem. This poisoning causes a disease, and this disease has a name: Chronic quinoline encephalopathy — also known as quinism. If you have any American vets asking about mefloquine poisoning share with them Bill Manofsky’s contact https://www.facebook.com/bill.mnnnnnn --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/tango-romeo/message
Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.08.14.250258v1?rss=1 Authors: Chen, Y., Yang, W.-H., Huang, L.-M., Wang, Y.-C., Yang, C.-S., Liu, Y.-L., Hou, M.-H., Tsai, C.-L., Chou, Y.-Z., Huang, B.-Y., Hung, C.-F., Hung, Y.-L., Chen, J.-S., Chiang, Y.-P., Cho, D.-Y., Jeng, L.-B., Tsai, C.-H., Hung, M.-C. Abstract: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing the current pandemic, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has taken a huge toll on human lives and the global economy. Therefore, effective treatments against this disease are urgently needed. Here, we established a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based high-throughput screening platform to screen compound libraries to identify drugs targeting the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), in particular those which are FDA-approved, to be used immediately to treat patients with COVID-19. Mpro has been shown to be one of the most important drug targets among SARS-related coronaviruses as impairment of Mpro blocks processing of viral polyproteins which halts viral replication in host cells. Our findings indicate that the anti-malarial drug tafenoquine (TFQ) induces significant conformational change in SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and diminishes its protease activity. Specifically, TFQ reduces the alpha-helical content of Mpro, which converts it into an inactive form. Moreover, TFQ greatly inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection in cell culture system. Hence, the current study provides a mechanistic insight into the mode of action of TFQ against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Moreover, the low clinical toxicity of TFQ and its strong antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 should warrant further testing in clinical trials. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info
The latest malaria news, in 60 seconds. Combining data on parasite genetics and human movement provides greater insight into how malaria spreads, Nigeria loses N132 billion to malaria each year and Stuart McCarthy, an Australian veteran, calls for a Royal Commission into Tafenoquine. More: www.fightmalaria.uk/MalariaMinute
The latest malaria news, in 60 seconds. US budget proposals make significant cuts to global health programs, the RBM Partnership announce their new CEO and the Australian government announce a $2.1 million program to support veterans concerned about Mefloquine and Tafenoquine. More: www.fightmalaria.uk/MalariaMinute
El programa de esta semana lo dedicamos a discutir el tema de la recaída de malaria por infecciones con Plamodium vivax, aprovechando tres articulo recientes que tienen que ver con el tema. Referencias: Robert j Commons y colaboradores. The effect of chloroquine dose and primaquine on Plasmodium vivaxrecurrence: a WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network systematic review and individual patient pooled meta-analysis. Lancet Infect Dis, Sept 01, 2018. M.V.G Lacerda y colaboradores. Single-Dose Tafenoquine to Prevent Relapse of Plasmodium vivax Malaria. New Engl J Med Jan 17, 2019. Alejandro Llanos-Cuentas y colaboradores. Tafenoquine versus Primaquine to Prevent Relapse of Plasmodium vivax Malaria. New Engl J Med Jan 17, 2019. La Frase de la Semana: Esta vez la tomamos de William Faulkner. Nacido el 25 de septiembre de 1897 en Oxford Mississippi y fallecido el 6 de julio de 1962. Faulkner es uno de los más celebrados escritores estadounidenses. Fue el ganador del Premio Nobel de Literatura en 1949. Faulkner escribió novelas, cuentos, guiones, poesía, ensayos y una obra de teatro. La frase dice: “La sabiduría suprema es tener sueños bastante grandes para no perderlos de vista mientras se persiguen”
The latest malaria news, in 60 seconds. The University of Florida develops 'spit test' for malaria, a new study shows that Tafenoquine is 'safe and effective' for the prevention of malaria and the threat of antimalarial drug resistance. More: www.fightmalaria.uk/MalariaMinute
A new drug developed by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, called Tafenoquine, has the potential to eradicate malaria. It recently received approval from the Food and Drug Administration. Now the Army is testing how it protects deployed troops. To learn more, Federal News Network's Eric White spoke with Maj. Victor Zottig, product manager for Tafenoquine at the Army's Medical Materiel Development Activity, on Federal Drive with Tom Temin.
The Latest Malaria News, in 60 Seconds. The FDA approves Arakoda for the prophylaxis of malaria in adults, the Australian Senate investigates the use of Tafenoquine and Mefloquine in conflict and the bike project in Zambia reducing malaria deaths by 96%. More: www.fightmalaria.uk/MalariaMinute
Welcome back to Five Minutes, the podcast series where we speak to the most interesting people in the world of malaria. Today I’m delighted to be joined by Professor Archie Clements who is Pro Vice-Chancellor of Health Sciences at Curtin University in Australia. He’s also an NHMRC Senior Research Fellow, having received over $28 million in research funding, and authoring more than 190 peer-reviewed publications. I’m keen to know what he thinks about the Malaria World Congress that took place in Melbourne earlier this year, and his thoughts on the FDA’s approval of Tafenoquine. If you’d like to stay up to date with the latest malaria interviews, you can subscribe on iTunes and Spotify. Head to fightmalaria.uk/FiveMinutes for more details. This is Five Minutes with Professor Archie Clements.
The Latest Malaria News, in 60 Seconds. Anti-malaria drugs, Tafenoquine and Mefloquine, come under fire after claims of neuropsychiatric side effects, NIH researchers block parasites entering the bloodstream, Jigawa to distribute 3.5 million mosquito nets, Nigeria loses 300 billion Naira to malaria and the Malaria World Congress calls on the global community to work together. More: www.fightmalaria.uk/MalariaMinute