
The results of the first TB vaccine efficacy trial in over 90 years was released today showing that the vaccine candidate MVA85A when given as a booster did not provide added protection to infants who had already received BCG. The trial adds scientific value to the field and enhances the field’s understanding and ability in conducting large-scale TB vaccine trials. Additional links to TB R&D news are included.
The week of November 12th was exciting with the 43rd Union World Conference, the WGND Annual Meeting (will be posting presentations soon), and the Stop TB Coordinating Board Meeting. Included are some news highlights and a listing of webcasts of interesting and presentations relevant for TB drug development and research.
Saturday, March 24, is officially World TB Day but there has been a stream of activities, publications, news and messages to let the world not forget about this major infectious disease killer that claims millions of lives each year. We present links and summaries of events, publications, messages, and news coverage leading up to World TB Day.
The United Nations (UN) released a report on July 12 on the progress made thus far on the 8 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The eight MDGs include: end poverty and hunger, universal education, gender equality, child health, maternal health, combat HIV/AIDS, environmental sustainability, and global partnership. Key highlights and additional coverage on the report are included.
The Stop TB Partnership has issued a Call to Action on Childhood TB. The call was an outcome of an international meeting organized jointly by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the Stop TB Partnership’s Childhood TB Subgroup in March. There was strong consensus among participants on the urgent need to make the voice of children heard through concerted advocacy efforts. Links are provided to information on the Call to Action and to a page where you can sign the Call to Action on Childhood TB. There are also links to previous coverage by the WGND on topics related to Childhood TB.
In this week’s TB R&D update, the focus is on pediatrics and tuberculosis with several studies published on the subject. Frigati, et al., wanted to determine if isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) combine with antiretroviral therapy (ART) would reduce TB in HIV-infected children. The article is published online ahead of print this month in Thorax and is entitled “The impact of isoniazid preventive therapy and antiretroviral therapy on tuberculosis in children infected with HIV in a high tuberculosis incidence setting.” Also, links to additional news in TB R&D are included.
An interview with Dr. Anneke Hesseling, the Director of the Paediatric TB Research Program at the Desmond Tutu TB Centre at Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa.
An interview with Dr. Anneke Hesseling, the Director of the Paediatric TB Research Program at the Desmond Tutu TB Centre at Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa.