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60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals to Sponsor Pre-Clinical Studies of Tafenoquine Use in Candida spp, Including Candida auris
Candida auris (C. auris) is a dangerous drug-resistant fungal pathogen emerging in U.S. hospitalsTafenoquine’s presumed mode of action against C. auris is
About this update from 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"Candida auris (C. auris) is a dangerous drug-resistant fungal pathogen emerging in U.S. hospitalsTafenoquine’s presumed mode of action against C. auris is differentiated from standard of care treatmentMonash University will conduct the studies beginning in second quarter of 2024 WASHINGTON, Feb. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Company,” “60P” or “60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals”) (NASDAQ: SXTP; SXTPW), specialists in developing and marketing medicines for infectious diseases, today announced it will, through its majority-owned subsidiary 60P Australia Pty Ltd, sponsor a series of animal studies to investigate whether single dose parenteral administration of tafenoquine exhibits efficacy against Candida spp, including Candida auris (C. auris). C. auris, a strain of fungal yeast, is an emerging pathogen that poses risk of serious infection in the bloodstream and elsewhere, especially in hospitalized patients. The study will be conducted by Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, beginning in the second quarter of 2024. Results are expected by the end of 2024. Tafenoquine is the active ingredient in an anti-malarial approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018 and is indicated for the prophylaxis of malaria in patients aged 18 years of age and older. “The rapid transmission of Candida auris in healthcare facilities is a very real threat and the need for a safe, effective treatment option is becoming more urgent every day,” said 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals Chief Executive Officer and President, Geoff Dow. “This important study could certainly yield valuable insights into how tafenoquine may be used toward that end. We are pleased to serve as the study sponsor working with Monash University and look forward to reviewing results in coming months.” “It is well known that Candida auris can cause severe illness in hospitalized patients,” said Professor Anton Peleg, a Professor at Central Clinical School, Monash University, and the principal investigator for the studies. “Even more concerning is the fact that many strains of this fungal infection are now completely resistant to currently available therapies. We are optimistic that the results of our study using tafenoquine will point the way toward development of a new treatment to address this clear, unmet medical need.” The journal, Ne...