9 months ago
New Antibiotic Shows Promise in Shortening TB Treatment Time
Scientists have found a new antibiotic that might help treat tuberculosis (TB) faster.
In a test, it worked better than an older drug.
If it's safe and effective, it could help people with TB get better quicker.
More tests are needed to be sure.
Phase 2 trial results show sorfequiline (TBAJ-876) could improve TB treatment
Sorfequiline, when used with pretomanid and linezolid (SpaL), shows greater activity than bedaquiline
Trial suggests potential to shorten treatment time for both drug-resistant and drug-sensitive TB
TB Alliance plans Phase 3 trial in high-burden countries, including India, starting in 2026
Sorfequiline could treat bedaquiline-resistant strains and has a potentially better safety profile
- Who
- TB Alliance, Dr. Vikas Oswal, TB patients
- What
- Developed a new antibiotic, sorfequiline, for TB treatment
- Where
- South Africa, Philippines, Georgia, Tanzania, Uganda, and potentially India in future
- When
- Phase 2 trial results presented at Union World Conference on Lung Health, Phase 3 trial planned for 2026
- Why
- To shorten treatment time and fight drug-resistant TB
Proponents of Sorfequiline
Cautious Stakeholders
Treatment Duration
Proponents of Sorfequiline
Sorfequiline could shorten TB treatment time
Cautious Stakeholders
More trials needed to confirm safety and efficacy
Drug Resistance
Proponents of Sorfequiline
Sorfequiline may treat bedaquiline-resistant strains
Cautious Stakeholders
Resistance patterns may vary, requiring further study
Key facts
- Drug Name
- Sorfequiline (TBAJ-876)
- Trial Phase
- Phase 2
- Trial Sites
- 22 sites across 5 countries
- Trial Regimen
- SpaL (Sorfequiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid)
- Comparison Regimen
- HRZE (Isoniazid, Rifampin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol)
- Planned Phase 3 Trial
- 2026, in high-burden countries
- Potential Impact
- Shortening TB treatment time, treating drug-resistant strains
Quotes
Thuto Pulane
A young South African woman who was diagnosed with tuberculosis
“I was shocked, but also relieved to know what it was. Nobody likes taking medication for a long time.”
theprint.in
Rod Dawson
The lead researcher of the study and the managing director at the University of Cape Town Lung Institute
“Goals that once seemed wholly aspirational, like the eradication of TB, are made increasingly possible because of advancements like sorfequiline.”
theprint.in
