Masters Pharmaceuticals and Lafepe (Pharmaceutical Laboratory of Pernambuco) have this month reached agreement on the global distribution of Benznidazole, a first line treatment for Chagas disease.

Discovered exactly 100 years ago, this disease is endemic across the globe and kills circa 14,000 people each year in Latin America alone.  It has become an endemic problem and is neglected by many governments.

Lafepe for their part are one of a very few organisations involved in research into this disease and through the collaboration with Masters aim to make the existing treatment more readily accessible.

David Moran, CEO of Masters, adds “Whilst this treatment is not perfect and will never be a blockbuster, it gives hope to the unfortunate few who are afflicted and we will do all we can to communicate the possibility of treatment wherever the patient maybe.”

Sr. Luciano Vasquez, President of Lafepe, added that he is delighted with the agreement with Masters, which is an integral part of their strategy in the fight against this terrible disease.