60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals Funds Babesia spp Testing in Chronic Fatigue Patient Samples in NC State College of Veterinary Medicine Study
60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: SXTP) will fund a study at North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine to test for Babesia spp in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patient samples. The study will use PCR testing to detect the presence of the Babesia spp parasites in patients with chronic fatigue and neurologic symptoms. This 12-month study commences in May 2024.
Babesia spp is known to cause babesiosis, a potentially life-threatening disease in immunocompromised individuals. With an estimated 47,000 cases of babesiosis annually in the U.S, the CDC estimates CFS affects 3.3 million Americans. CEO Geoff Dow emphasized that the study aligns with the company's mission to understand the link between infectious diseases and chronic symptoms.
- 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals is funding a significant study, demonstrating its commitment to addressing chronic fatigue syndrome.
- The study will use advanced PCR testing to detect Babesia spp, showcasing the company's focus on cutting-edge diagnostic methods.
- The research aligns with the company's mission to better understand the role of infectious diseases in chronic conditions, potentially boosting investor confidence.
- Collaborating with the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine enhances the company's credibility and scientific partnerships.
- The study's outcome is uncertain and may not yield conclusive results, posing a risk to investors.
- The 12-month duration means any potential positive impact on stock performance will be delayed.
- Funding the study represents a financial outlay without guaranteed returns, which might concern some shareholders.
Insights
The funding of this study by 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals offers potential insights into the link between Babesia spp and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Babesia spp is a parasite known to cause babesiosis, a disease that can be serious, especially for immunosuppressed patients. The study uses PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing, a highly sensitive method for detecting genetic material, to assess the presence of these parasites in CFS patients.
From a research perspective, connecting Babesia spp to CFS could open new avenues for treatment and diagnosis. Chronic fatigue syndrome affects an estimated 3.3 million Americans and if Babesia spp is found to be a significant contributor, it could revolutionize the way we understand and manage CFS. This potential breakthrough could profoundly impact both patient care and future research funding.
However, it's important to note that the study is still in its early stages and will take at least 12 months to complete. While the initial results could be promising, conclusive evidence would require further research and peer-reviewed publications. For retail investors, this means that any immediate impact on the company's stock could be limited until more definitive results are available.
For investors, the study highlights 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals' commitment to innovative research and development in infectious diseases. This move can strengthen the company's reputation in the pharmaceutical industry and potentially lead to new market opportunities. If the study finds a significant connection between Babesia spp and CFS, it could lead to new product lines targeting this niche but substantial market.
Currently, the market for CFS-related treatments is underdeveloped due to the complexities and uncertainties surrounding the disease. A breakthrough in understanding its causes could open up a lucrative market. In the short term, this announcement might not significantly drive stock prices, but in the long term, successful study outcomes could position 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals as a leader in this emerging field.
Nonetheless, investors should be cautious and aware that early-stage research does carry risks, including the possibility of inconclusive results or extended timelines. The company's ability to capitalize on these findings will be important for sustained growth.
- Long-term chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) symptoms can be triggered by certain prior acute infections
- Prominent researchers/clinicians in the tick-borne disease scientific community postulate that latent Babesia spp infections may trigger CFS symptoms
- Planned study at North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine will assess whether Babesia spp parasites are present in samples from patients with chronic fatigue/neurologic symptoms by PCR
- CDC estimates CFS affects 3.3 million Americans
WASHINGTON, May 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: SXTP; SXTPW) (the “Company”), a pharmaceutical company focused on developing new medicines for infectious diseases, announced today it will fund Babesia spp testing in chronic fatigue patient samples in a study to be conducted by North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine. Using PCR testing, the study will assess whether Babesia spp parasites are present in samples from patients with chronic fatigue symptoms who present with neurologic conditions. The study commences this month and is expected to run for 12 months.
Babesia spp is the parasite known to cause babesiosis, a potentially life-threatening disease in immunosuppressed patients. Babesiosis is a tick-borne illness steadily emerging in the United States. Approximately 47,000 cases per year may be present in the U.S. based on the observation of 476,000 Lyme infections, and an estimated babesiosis coinfection rate of 10 percent. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates CFS affects approximately 3.3 million Americans.
“We are pleased to provide support for this important study of babesiosis in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms,” said Chief Executive Officer of 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, Geoff Dow. “Increasingly, we are learning that babesiosis may be responsible for triggering any number of symptoms in patients presenting with certain very serious illnesses. This study will be a significant step toward adding to the medical community’s understanding of both babesiosis and chronic disease. This goal aligns well with the 60 Degrees Pharmaceutical mission.”
About 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, Inc., founded in 2010, specializes in developing and marketing new medicines for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases that affect the lives of millions of people.
60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, Inc. also collaborates with prominent research organizations in the U.S., Australia, and Singapore. The 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, Inc. mission has been supported through in-kind funding from the U.S. Department of Defense and private institutional investors including Knight Therapeutics Inc., a Canadian-based pan-American specialty pharmaceutical company. 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is headquartered in Washington D.C., with a majority-owned subsidiary in Australia. Learn more at www.60degreespharma.com.
The statements contained herein may include prospects, statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. The statements expressed herein are those of 60P and do not necessarily represent those of the U.S. Department of Defense or Department of the Army.
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Media Contact:
Sheila A. Burke
SheilaBurke-consultant@60degreespharma.com
(484) 667-6330
Investor Contact:
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FAQ
What is the purpose of the SXTP-funded study at North Carolina State College?
When does the Babesia spp study funded by SXTP begin?
What is Babesia spp, and why is SXTP funding research on it?
How many Americans are affected by chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) according to the CDC?
What is the estimated annual incidence of babesiosis in the United States?
