Japan Biotech Develops 30-Minute Cure For Africa’s Sleeping Sickness
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
Japanese biotech aRigen Pharmaceuticals says it has developed a fast-acting drug to treat the sleeping sickness that plagues Africa. The company conducted its research with the University of Tokyo on the fungus-based compound ascofuranone that interferes with an oxygen-supplying enzyme. Tests on mice show the drug kills parasites in 30 minutes, but Phase I human trials have not begun. aRigen plans to license development rights to a foreign company. (Click here for more - a subscription may be required