Excitement Grows for Long-Acting TB Treatments in South Africa Despite Early Research Stages

Research on long-acting tuberculosis (TB) treatments is advancing in South Africa, aiming to simplify extensive drug regimens into single injections. While inspiring developments have been noted, including a trial of long-acting bedaquiline, challenges like suitable drug selection and effectiveness measurement persist. Both patients and healthcare workers favor these new treatment methods, indicating positive future adoption if available.

South African researchers are excited about the potential for long-acting tuberculosis (TB) treatments that could reduce the duration of TB preventive therapies from months of pill-taking to a single injection. While HIV treatments have made significant strides with long-acting injections, the TB field is now looking to replicate this success, though findings may be years away.

Current TB treatments involve extensive pill regimens lasting six months or longer; thus, researchers aim to create formulations that facilitate completion. Preventive therapy usually requires taking tablets daily over three to six months, and the prospect of a long-acting injection has encouraged enthusiasm amongst patients. Evidence indicates that shorter treatment courses are more likely to be completed, lending credibility to the push for newer long-acting options.

However, the transition to long-acting formulations faces substantial hurdles. According to Dr. Eric Nuermberger from Johns Hopkins University, only certain TB drugs are suitable candidates for conversion to injectables due to specific clinical characteristics. The lack of reliable biomarkers to measure the efficacy of these potential therapies complicates research efforts further.

Nuermberger notes that the science associated with developing long-acting TB products has progressed, albeit slowly, with most candidates remaining in early-stage testing. The furthest along is a long-acting injectable bedaquiline, currently evaluated in a phase I trial in Austria. Researchers aim to determine its safety and tolerability, while other promising developments involve various TB antibiotics currently undergoing preclinical studies.

Notably, surveys from a recent conference revealed overwhelming support for long-acting injectable options among both healthcare providers and patients, where 75% expressed willingness to adopt a product if the pricing were competitive. Phumeza Tisile, a TB survivor, emphasized the importance of addressing community needs in implementing these therapies effectively.

In conclusion, researchers in South Africa are optimistic about the development of long-acting TB treatments that could significantly improve patient adherence by simplifying medication regimens. Despite the promising potential reflected in ongoing studies and supportive preferences from both healthcare providers and patients, substantial research challenges remain. As efforts continue, the hope is to see effective long-acting TB therapies emerge in the coming years and thereby revolutionize treatment protocols.

Original Source: allafrica.com