Immtech's malaria drug gets US OD status

USA-based Immtech Pharmaceuticals, a specialist in the development and commercialization of treatments for infectious diseases, says that its investigational anti-malarial pafuramidine (DB289) has been granted Orphan Drug designation by the Food and Drug Administration.

Pafuramidine, which is currently in Phase II clinical trials, has previously demonstrated a 96% cure rate when provided as a five-day treatment regimen. The ongoing study is designed to examine the potential efficacy of a three-day course of the drug, utilizing either a higher dosage or the agent in combination with artesunate.

Immtech explained that the multidrug treatment approach could help prevent the development of resistance by the malarial parasite, whereas in a monotherapy setting, the drug would be of benefit to travellers returning from regions in which the disease is endemic.