Therapy is too demanding and leads to resistant bacteria
First-line TB therapy is based on the combination of four antibiotics for a period of 6-9 months for
drug susceptible TB. However, people with multidrug resistant TB need to use up to six drugs for
even 12-24 months. Due to these demanding regimens and side effects, TB therapy suffers from
poor patient compliance, which further promotes the rise of drug resistant bacterial strains.
Although the understanding of TB has improved substantially, a broadly effective drug or vaccine is
still not available for patients around the world. Within the Consortium researchers aim to develop
novel techniques for early-stage diagnosis, for example lateral flow based assays, that work just like
the well-known quick Covid self tests.
More potent antibiotics, innovative vaccines and nanomedicines
Besides diagnosis, the consortium has a strong focus on the identification of novel drug targets, the
development of therapeutics, such as more potent antibiotics, which reduce the risk of resistance
formation, and host directed therapeutics as well as the development of innovative vaccines.
Together partners aim to improve the self-defense mechanisms of our body and achieve a better
understanding of TB related immune responses. Moreover, the consortium aims to apply
nanomedicines to improve therapeutic efficacy while reducing adverse effects of antibiotics and host
directed therapeutics, which are currently limiting their efficient use in TB therapy.
Synergy by joining forces
Researchers from the various institutes have intensive collaborations to synergize scientific
progress by combining different areas of expertise. As a result several grants have been written to fund the
work and progress towards endingTB, including MycobacteriumXL and multiple Leiden University KIEM grants.
Consortium members meet at a monthly basis to promote knowledge exchange, foster
collaborations and discuss advances in the field.
Interested to join a meeting or consult the expertise of LiTBC?
Contact the organizers:
Matthias Barz (LACDR),
Annemarie Meijer (IBL) or
Simone Joosten (LUMC)