Farmabrasilis is a non-governmental, non-profit research network bringing together Brazilian, Chilean, American and European scientists and others whose concern is: “The research and development of new medicines and technologies for the benefit of economically disadvantaged populations and individuals affected by neglected diseases”.

The main focus of the work of Farmabrasilis has been the development of the immunomodulator P-MAPA. Although this compound was originally intended for cancer treatment and it has been shown to have anti-tumour activity, P-MAPA also modulates the production of interferon-gamma and interleukin-10, known to be key substances in the body’s defences against TB, malaria and other infectious diseases. This had led Farmabrasilis to put forward a new approach to treating patients with these conditions - including those co-infected with HIV - which would involve attempting to re-establish patients’ immunocompetence by adjuvant immunotherapy with P-MAPA.

This proposed new therapeutic approach was presented to delegates at the recent STOP TB Partnership Forum held in Rio de Janeiro. Farmabrasilis welcomes contact with other individuals and organizations interested in the further development of the proposed approach.