Researchers on the verge of developing effective TB vaccine
Next phase of trials will be a 'definitive assessment' of the vaccine.
Tuberculosis (TB) could well be a disease of the past within the next decade.
This was the overarching message conveyed during a two-day media tour hosted by the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) last week.
Researchers across the world are on the verge of developing an effective TB vaccine, as a new one enters phase 3 of clinical trials.
The Somkhele-based research facility’s executive director, Willem Hanekom said it was exciting that the new TB vaccine – M72 – has shown early efficacy and will enter a phase 3 trial starting next year.
Speaking at the institute’s Durban campus, Hanekom commented that the globally-used BCG TB vaccine, which is currently given to babies, though extremely effective, ‘has done nothing to affect the TB epidemic’.
He said the disease claims millions of lives across the globe every year and about 30 000 per annum in South Africa.
M72 – which targets adolescents and adults, as babies do not transmit TB – has shown to be safe, and in early trials has shown 50% effectiveness.
“Which is more than enough,” said Hanekom.
This phase of trials, he added, would be a ‘definitive assessment’ of the vaccine.
This study will involve 26 000 participants at 62 global sites, of which 32 will be in South Africa, with AHRI being one.
The trial, Hanekom said, will take about six years, with preliminary results expected around 2028.
“We are on the verge and we hope this vaccine works to prevent TB,” said Hanekom.
He added that, in South Africa about 70% of people with TB live with HIV, and ultimately this segment of people will be included in the trials.
Hanekom said the clinical TB vaccine development pipeline requires urgent expansion and that a lack of money hinders TB vaccine discovery and development.
“Therefore, advocacy and political commitment are critical,” he said.
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