Excitement Grows for Long-Acting TB Treatments Amid Ongoing…

Researchers are developing long-acting tuberculosis (TB) treatments to potentially reduce lengthy pill regimens to single injections, which may enhance patient adherence. Despite significant progress, these formulations remain in early research stages, with many hurdles including the identification of effective biomarkers and the need for extensive clinical trials. Support from healthcare providers and patients highlights the desire for more convenient TB treatment options.

Researchers are advancing new long-acting treatments for tuberculosis (TB), aiming to simplify current lengthy regimens that typically require numerous pills taken over several months. The goal is to potentially reduce TB preventive therapy to a single injection, akin to recent advancements in HIV treatment, which now offers a six-month injection. However, the development of these long-acting TB formulations is still in nascent stages and significant clinical trials will take years to complete.

Long-acting TB preventive therapy would particularly benefit those in South Africa, where it is recommended for individuals in close contact with TB patients. Traditional therapy involves a lengthy pill regimen for three to six months, though evidence suggests that shorter, convenient treatment options are more likely to be completed. A single injection may improve adherence and treatment outcomes significantly.

Challenges remain in the formulation of long-acting TB medications. Not all existing TB medicines are suitable for conversion to injectable forms; they must possess low solubility, slow plasma clearance, and high potency. As Dr. Eric Nuermberger from Johns Hopkins University notes, reliable biomarkers for assessing long-acting TB treatments are still being researched, complicating the validation and efficacy proof during clinical trials.

Despite the obstacles, recent years have seen a notable increase in the number of long-acting TB formulations being developed, which is promising. The furthest along in this journey is a long-lasting form of bedaquiline, currently undergoing phase I trials for safety. Additional long-acting TB drugs are in preclinical research stages, with various institutions in collaborative efforts supported by several foundations.

Patient and healthcare provider preferences indicate strong support for long-acting TB treatments. A survey revealed that 75% of healthcare professionals would prefer a long-acting injectable version of TB preventive therapy over pills if priced equivalently. Phumeza Tisile, a TB survivor, expressed her enthusiasm for long-acting treatments, emphasizing their potential to ease the burden of repeated facility visits and enhance adherence patterns for patients.

The development of long-acting TB treatments is an exciting prospect for improving patient adherence and health outcomes. Current research aims to transition from traditional pill regimens to single-injection therapies, which could significantly enhance the treatment experience. While numerous challenges remain, particularly in establishing effective biomarkers and transitioning from preclinical stages, the increased focus on patient preferences and the growing number of products in development underscore a promising future in TB care.

Original Source: allafrica.com