| TRYPANOSOMIASIS
The Disease
Trypanosomiasis, known as African Sleeping Sickness in humans and Nagana in livestock, is spread by the tsetse fly and it is estimated that it costs the economies of sub-Saharan Africa at least $5-10 billion annually from lost farm income and increased malnutrition, with an estimated $600 million to $1.2 billion expended each year in efforts to control the disease and in direct losses in meat and milk production. An estimated 60 million people and 50 million cattle and other animals in sub-Saharan Africa are at risk of contracting trypanosomiasis.
The disease attacks the blood and nervous systems of infected humans and animals, debilitating its victims and causing a high level of fatalities. Early symptoms include anemia, endocrine, cardiac and kidney disorders. The symptoms of the second neurological phase of the disease include confusion and reduced coordination, accompanied by a profoundly disturbed sleep cycle. Without treatment, the disease is fatal, with progressive mental deterioration leading to coma and death.
Current Treatment
Available treatments for human trypanosomiasis are costly, complex and toxic, requiring intravenous infusions and hospitalization. Currently treatments for the animal form of the disease are toxic and are increasingly ineffective as a result of rising levels of drug resistance.
Upstream’s Research & Development
We are currently developing treatment for both the animal and human form of trypanosomiasis. The immediate opportunity with trypanosomiasis is for the livestock version of the disease. Currently, sub-Saharan African countries are suffering from a $5-10 billion economic loss from a lack of livestock – affecting beef, dairy and agriculture labor. Our development plan allows for a cost effective and straightforward drug development plan. This plan carries an estimated development cost of approximately $2.5 million and involves the synthesis of additional compounds and two rounds of animal studies before the compounds are ready for veterinary use. Our first generation of compounds have already passed in vitro efficacy tests, in vivo safety tests and are currently undergoing in vivo efficacy tests.
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