University of Indonesia

MTBVAC TB Vaccine Enters Landmark Phase 2b Trial Across Three African Countries

3 months ago

• The IMAGINE trial has commenced with first vaccinations of MTBVAC, a novel tuberculosis vaccine candidate, administered in South Africa on February 19, 2025, marking a significant step in combating the world's deadliest infectious disease. • The large-scale safety and efficacy trial will enroll approximately 4,300 participants with latent TB infection across 15 sites in South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania, evaluating MTBVAC's effectiveness in preventing active TB lung disease. • MTBVAC, developed by Spanish researchers and Biofabri/Zendal, is the only live-attenuated TB vaccine candidate derived from Mycobacterium tuberculosis in current trials, offering potential advantages over the century-old BCG vaccine.

Relapse Common in Ocular Tuberculosis Despite Treatment, Study Finds

6 months ago

• A recent study reveals that approximately one-third of patients with ocular tuberculosis (OTB) experience a relapse of uveitis after initial treatment success. • Poor initial treatment response is identified as a significant risk factor for uveitis relapse in OTB patients, highlighting the need for vigilant monitoring. • Most uveitis relapse episodes manifest as anterior uveitis and can be effectively managed with topical corticosteroids, avoiding the need to restart antitubercular therapy. • The study emphasizes the importance of assessing intraocular inflammation status at 6 months post-treatment to predict relapse prognosis in OTB patients.