60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals shares surge 10.31% premarket as study links 24% Babesia infection in chronic fatigue patients, validating B-FREE Study for tafenoquine efficacy in babesiosis treatment.

60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals surged 10.31% in premarket trading following the announcement that a peer-reviewed study found Babesia infection in 24% of patients with chronic fatigue, supporting its hypothesis that such infections may prolong recovery times. The study, conducted by North Carolina State University and funded in part by the company, validates the ongoing B-FREE Study evaluating ARAKODA® (tafenoquine) for chronic babesiosis. While tafenoquine is FDA-approved for malaria prevention, the results reinforce its potential unmet medical need in treating babesiosis, an orphan disease with no approved therapies. The CEO emphasized the need for controlled trials, aligning with the company’s strategic focus on vector-borne diseases. Despite risks such as lack of FDA approval for babesiosis treatment and financial uncertainties, the positive study outcomes likely drove investor optimism about future commercial opportunities.