60 Degrees Pharmaceutical Enters Sponsored Research Agreement With University Of Southern Mississippi To Assess The Potential Of Castanospermine In Nonclinical Models Of Alpha-Gal Syndrome

The partnership leverages USM’s established vector biology research expertise and investigator insights into tick-borne disease. Under this agreement, 60 Degrees will underwrite the research and retains an option to commercialize and market any resulting intellectual property.

As part of its development strategy, the Company plans to explore potential botanical approval pathways for a castanospermine-containing product before embarking on a prescription drug (Rx) development program. The nonclinical research at USM is expected to help inform this assessment and guide subsequent development decisions.

AGS is an increasingly recognized tick-associated allergic condition, most commonly linked in the United States to bites from the lone star tick. AGS can cause severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions following ingestion of, or exposure to, products containing galactose-α-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), a carbohydrate found in most non-primate mammalian meat and other mammalian-derived products, including beef, pork, lamb, and certain dairy products. Humans do not produce alpha-gal and may develop antibodies against it following tick exposure. There are currently no FDA-approved medications specifically indicated to treat or prevent AGS, and current condition management relies primarily on avoidance of foods and other products that trigger allergic reactions.