After the discovery that the old leukemia drug (it has been around since 1950) is suitable for intestinal complaints, Chris Mulder wanted to make the drug available to as many patients as possible. That required research. The drug that is registered for leukemia consisted of 40 mg pills that had to be cut in half before use. Super inconvenient and, moreover, the package leaflet was not made for people with intestinal complaints.
Healthcare innovator Frans-Joseph Sinjorgo joined Chris Mulder in 2004 and provided the financial means to have the medicine made in a dose lower than the 40 mg. Mulder, fellow physician-researcher Nanne de Boer and Sinjorgo wanted to have this Drug Rediscovery (an old remedy for another disease) officially registered. They could not afford the route through the European Medicines Association (EMA). They opted for the Dutch route via the Medicines Evaluation Board (MEB).
In 2008, drug manufacturer Teva Nederland was found willing to make 10 and 20 mg pills called tThiosix. The doctors, Sinjorgo and the Teva director, were called the four musketeers because of their perseverance and belief in Thiosix. They wanted two things: an official registration because it guarantees security of supply and safety, and their own package leaflet for the medicine. And they wanted the drug to remain affordable.
–
