South Africa: Anticipation Grows for Long-Acting TB Treatments…

Excitement is growing in South Africa for long-acting tuberculosis treatments, which could replace lengthy oral regimens with single injections. Researchers face challenges, including the need for effective biomarkers and drug characteristics, but several promising products are under development. Support from patients and healthcare providers indicates strong interest in these new treatment options.

In South Africa, researchers are excited about the potential development of long-acting treatments for tuberculosis (TB), which traditionally require prolonged oral regimens. The aim is to condense treatment and preventive measures into a single injection, alleviating the burden of multiple pills taken over months. Such innovative formulations align with recent advancements in HIV treatment, particularly the promising six-month protection from HIV achieved through an injectable antiretroviral, lenacapavir.

Medical experts emphasize the need for long-acting formulations, especially for TB preventive therapy, which currently necessitates tablet consumption over three to six months. A single injection could significantly enhance treatment completion rates and patient convenience. Unlike TB treatment, which usually encompasses multiple drugs and spans six months or more, TB preventive therapy requires fewer medications, making it a more viable candidate for long-acting solutions.

Dr. Eric Nuermberger of Johns Hopkins University highlighted the complexities involved in developing effective long-acting TB medications. He identified three crucial characteristics necessary for these formulations: low water solubility, low plasma clearance, and high drug potency. Currently, the absence of reliable biomarkers that can indicate long-acting preventive therapy effectiveness presents a considerable challenge, as scientists require such markers to expedite the trial process.

In his conference address, Dr. Nuermberger noted that while significant progress has been made in long-acting drug formulation, most candidates remain in the pre-clinical testing phase. The primary focus presently lies in the development of a long-acting version of bedaquiline for drug-resistant TB. Clinical trials are underway, with Janssen Pharmaceuticals conducting a phase I trial of this formulation.

Additionally, various institutions including the University of Liverpool and Johns Hopkins University are participating in research on long-acting TB medications, supported by organizations like Unitaid and the Gates Foundation. Investigations extend to novel treatment delivery methods such as aqueous nanoparticle suspensions and in-situ forming implants, which aim to provide effective long-term therapy in a more patient-friendly manner.

Recent surveys indicate strong support for long-acting TB therapies among healthcare professionals and patients, with 75% of participants expressing a willingness to use injectable options if priced competitively. Phumeza Tisile, a TB survivor, underscored the potential benefits of such treatments, stating they could reduce the need for frequent visits to health facilities, thus enhancing adherence and treatment outcomes.

In summary, the research into long-acting TB treatments showcases promising potential that could transform current management protocols. While challenges related to drug characteristics and the need for biomarkers persist, the collaborative efforts among researchers and institutions are paving the way for innovations in TB therapy. The favorable reception from both patients and healthcare providers reinforces the importance of these developments in enhancing treatment adherence.

Original Source: allafrica.com