Lyfjos’ research focuses mainly on blood disorders. We aim to produce inexpensive and robust treatments and diagnosing tools that can be made easily available everywhere. Along with the treatments, Lyfjos assists researchers in developing suitable diagnosing and monitoring tools.
Together with the University Hospital of Zurich and the University of Zurich, Lyfjos successfully concluded a clinical phase II study assessing the use of the drug Memantine for Sickle Cell Disease patients. With this study, we gained clear indication that the proposed treatment is efficient. The promising results manifested in a currently ongoing follow-up trial, escalating patient numbers and targeting adolescent patients.
Expanding Knowledge – Improving Care
Uncommon diseases may require uncommon treatment. Over the years, Lyfjos’ projects with leading groups in the field of red blood cell research led to the formation of a leading scientific and medical network. Working with patients harboring rare disease not only showed the need for affordable medicine, but also for more knowledge in patient examination as well as adjustments in treatment. Affordable and efficient treatment resides on those three pillars: Patient examination, personalized treatment using existing means as well as novel means of treatment.
To address this need, Lyfjos is expanding its scope from IP transfer to the promotion of a new service that will address the whole scope of patient treatment. For this, Lyfjos has teamed up with a new initiative, the Red Blood Cell Network. It aims to provide knowledge to professionals as well as provide diagnostic services and treatment advice for doctors and researches.
About Sickle Cell Disease:
“The World Health Organization has declared Sickle Cell Anemia, the most prevalent genetic disease in Africa, a public health priority. According to the WHO, in African region 10% to 40 % of the population carry the sickle cell trait, leading to sickle cell disease prevalence of around 2 %. The burden of sickle cell disease is increasing with the currently observed population growth on the African continent.
Children under five, adolescent and pregnant women are mostly affected by sickle cell disease related to premature death. Most of the affected countries are resource poor and are facing major challenges to devote appropriate resources to their health care systems. Hence they are often not able to attend to the special needs of the people. In 2010, WHO has called for joint action from the international community to tackle this highly neglected disease.” – Dr. med. vet. Claudia Daubenberger
