New Drug Sorfequiline Shows Promise Against Tuberculosis

A new drug, sorfequiline, shows promise in treating tuberculosis, with trial results indicating it could boost cure rates and reduce treatment duration by months. According to The Guardian, an estimated 10.7 million people fell ill with TB last year, with 1.23 million deaths attributed to the disease.

The World Health Organization has identified TB as a major global public health issue and the leading infectious cause of death, with progress hindered by aid cuts. Researchers from the TB Alliance presented the findings at the Union Conference on Lung Health in Copenhagen, revealing that sorfequiline demonstrated stronger efficacy against the bacteria compared to existing treatments, while maintaining a similar safety profile.

The trial involved 309 participants from various countries, including South Africa, the Philippines, Georgia, Tanzania, and Uganda, all of whom had drug-sensitive tuberculosis. The results suggest that a sorfequiline-based regimen could be applicable to anyone testing positive for TB, thus streamlining treatment protocols.

Dr. Maria Beumont, vice president of TB Alliance, emphasized the potential for immediate treatment without waiting for diagnostic results, which can often delay care due to patchy access to testing. Dr.

William Brumskine from the Aurum Institute highlighted that a shorter treatment regimen could reduce clinic visits, allowing healthcare providers to focus more on individual patient care. The current standard treatment successfully cures about 90% of TB patients within six months, but sorfequiline could enhance this outcome further.

Excitement around sorfequiline has grown, with anecdotal reports of rapid patient recovery. TB Alliance plans to initiate a phase three clinical trial in 2026, aiming for broader application of this promising treatment.

However, experts like Dr. Kavindhran Velen express caution, noting that universal application of such treatments could risk disincentivizing investment in laboratory innovations and more tailored therapies.

Velen cautioned against overexposure to treatments that may not be necessary for every patient, highlighting the need for careful consideration in implementing sorfequiline as a standard option. This development represents a significant advancement in addressing a disease that remains a critical health challenge worldwide.