Episode 463: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. Geoff Dow - Tackling Babesiosis with Malaria Research

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
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