Tuberculosis is the most common infectious disease worldwide. In 2023 alone, there were 10.6 million new tuberculosis infections and 1.3 million deaths from the disease. The long duration of treatment and the emergence of antibiotic resistance have led to increased investment and research activity in the tuberculosis area, including at the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI). Rapid access to improved therapies with shorter treatment periods and fewer side effects is crucial for people with tuberculosis.
The African–European network PanACEA has published the results of a Phase Ib/IIa clinical trial of BTZ-043 in the journal Lancet Microbe. These show that the drug has antibacterial efficacy, is well tolerated, and can be administered in combination with other tuberculosis drugs. The safety and tolerability of BTZ-043 was investigated in 77 adults with newly diagnosed tuberculosis in Cape Town, South Africa.
BTZ-043 is the first antibiotic candidate to be developed in Germany for decades, and was developed exclusively by the academic community. It inhibits an enzyme that tuberculosis mycobacteria use to build their cell walls, causing them to disintegrate and die.
As long-term partner of the Leibniz-HKI, Ascenion has accompanied the project from the beginning, supporting development and assisting with the drafting and negotiation of contracts with development partners.
Further information: News of the LMU Hospital Munich
