Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 26: After years of limited breakthroughs, the global fight against Tuberculosis (TB) is witnessing renewed momentum, with a promising vaccine candidate and two novel treatments advancing into late-stage clinical trials.

According to experts, the current standard vaccine — Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine — remains widely used but offers protection mainly to infants and young children, leaving a major gap in preventing pulmonary TB among adolescents and adults.

The disease, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, continues to be a major global health concern. The World Health Organization has described TB as the leading infectious cause of death worldwide, with cases projected to rise significantly over the coming years.

A Phase III trial of the M72/AS01E vaccine, backed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is currently underway across multiple countries, including Indonesia, Kenya and South Africa. The study aims to evaluate its effectiveness in preventing pulmonary TB among adults.

Earlier trials have shown encouraging results, with the vaccine reducing TB cases by nearly half among adults with latent infections. Experts believe that if successful, it could mark a major shift in TB prevention strategies globally.

On the treatment front, efforts are focused on developing safer and shorter regimens, particularly for drug-resistant TB. Existing therapies can last up to six months or longer and often cause severe side effects.

In China, a Phase III trial is evaluating sudapyridine as a potential alternative to bedaquiline, a key drug used for multi-drug resistant TB but associated with safety concerns.

Meanwhile, Japanese pharmaceutical firm Otsuka Pharmaceutical is testing quabodepistat in a global Phase III trial aimed at shortening treatment duration to four months while maintaining efficacy.

Researchers say these advancements could significantly reduce toxicity and improve patient adherence, a critical factor in controlling the disease.

Despite ongoing efforts, TB cases are expected to increase from around four million in major global markets in 2024 to nearly 4.5 million by 2033, highlighting the urgency for improved interventions.

Experts note that the next few years will be crucial. Success in these late-stage trials could reshape global TB care by offering more effective vaccines and shorter, safer treatment options, potentially altering the trajectory of the disease worldwide.