WASHINGTON, March 19 (UPI) -- U.S. medical center Walter Reed Army Institute of Research said Monday it is teaming with Sigma-Tau to develop a drug for severe malaria.
The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity said they signed a deal with the company Monday to develop the injectable treatment Artesunate, for which Sigma-Tau will complete the trials and file for approval of the treatment with the Food and Drug Administration.
"We saw a need for improved severe malaria treatment, not only to protect our troops abroad, but as a potential treatment for those around the world affected by this devastating illness," said Colonel Peter Weina. "With Sigma-Tau's help, we are hopeful that ... Artesunate will one day become available to people around the globe."
There are 1,000 to 1,500 U.S. cases of malaria reported annually, mostly in people traveling to regions where malaria is prevalent, the medical center said, with about 10 to 15 percent of cases classified as "severe."
