Evotec, GSK, J&J, Otsuka, Gates MRI & Gates Foundation launch consortium to develop new pan-TB drug

A consortium of philanthropic, non-profit and private sector organisations launched a collaboration that aims to accelerate the development of novel “pan-TB” drug regimens for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) that are ready for phase 3 development. The regimens will be designed to have little to no drug resistance and an acceptable safety profile, and be better-tolerated, shorter in duration and simpler to use than existing options. Such regimens are intended to be a central component of efforts to address the current complexities and challenges of TB treatment.

A consortium is an association, typically of several companies.

Members of pan-TB drug consortium

• Evotec
• GSK
• Johnson & Johnson
• Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
• Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute (Gates MRI)
• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Advantages for the members

Members will leverage unique assets, resources and scientific expertise to advance the development of novel regimens.

Objective of pan-TB drug consortium

• The current regimen for drug-sensitive TB, the most common and easiest to treat form of TB, requires that patients take multiple drugs for six or more months under clinical monitoring. Patients with drug-resistant TB cannot use this regimen and face longer and more complex treatment regimens, often with significant side effects. Currently, patients must undergo additional testing to diagnose drug-resistant TB.
• The regimens that the PAN-TB collaboration is working to develop could help transform TB care. A shorter and safer novel regimen that can treat TB irrespective of pre-existing drug resistance and with reduced need for drug resistance testing, could provide a significant benefit to both patients and health systems.
• The PAN-TB collaboration will identify and assess the potential of investigational pan-TB regimens, through phase 2 clinical efficacy studies. Collaborative pre-clinical research activities have begun. Clinical trials will be announced as they are planned.