Tuberculosis Vaccine: Powerful Weapon Against Tuberculosis on the Horizon

Highlights:

A revolutionary tuberculosis vaccine, the first in 100 years, has been developed
It is set to enter phase 3 clinical trials and has the potential to save 8.5 million lives
It has demonstrated 50% efficacy in phase 2b trials conducted in 2018

“A Breakthrough in TB Prevention after a Century”

In a monumental stride towards tuberculosis (TB) eradication, scientists have developed a groundbreaking vaccine, marking the first major advancement in TB prevention in a century. This remarkable vaccine has the potential to save an estimated 8.5 million lives.

Tuberculosis - Spread - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs
Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affects the lung. It may spread to other organs.

‘Revolutionary TB vaccine, first in 100 years, with 50% efficacy in trials, poised to save 8.5 million lives. Global efforts for public health impact. #TuberculosisVaccine’

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Tuberculosis Vaccine’s Clinical Trial Could Potentially Save 8.5 Million Lives

Phase 3 Clinical Trial Receives Substantial Funding

With years of dedicated research behind it, the vaccine, named M72/AS01E and created by GlaxoSmithKline, has received substantial funding of USD 550 million. Generously backed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute and Wellcome, a global charitable organization, the vaccine is now set to enter the crucial phase 3 clinical trial.

Encouraging Results from Phase 2b Trials

During the phase 2b trials conducted in 2018, the M72/AS01E vaccine exhibited a promising effectiveness rate of 50%. These encouraging results have laid the foundation for further development and testing.

The Phase 3 Trial: A New Hope

The eagerly anticipated phase 3 trial is scheduled to commence early next year and will span a duration of 4-6 years. This extensive trial will involve the participation of 26,000 individuals across 50 sites situated in Southeast Asia and Africa.

Diet in Tuberculosis
Patients with tuberculosis should eat a healthy diet so that they build up their immunity to fight against tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis: The Potential Impact of the Vaccine

According to the World Health Organization, with its 50% efficacy, this groundbreaking vaccine has the potential to prevent an astounding 76 million TB cases and save 8.5 million lives over the course of 25 years. Such an achievement would be a significant milestone in the battle against this deadly disease.

The Limitations of the Current Vaccine

While the Bacille Calmette-Guèrin (BCG) vaccine has been in use since 1921, it possesses certain limitations. Although it effectively prevents severe TB in infants and young children, it demonstrates lesser efficacy against the more prevalent form of TB that affects adults. Furthermore, even in children, its protective effects wane after a few years ().

Considering that TB claimed the lives of 1.6 million individuals in 2021, predominantly in low and middle-income countries, the development of this new vaccine holds immense promise. With over 10 million people worldwide suffering from TB, the introduction of an effective vaccine has the potential to be a true game changer.

Bill Gates, the co-chair of the Foundation spearheading this breakthrough, emphasized the urgency for new tools in combating TB. He stated, "Greater investment in safe and effective TB vaccines, alongside a suite of new diagnostics and treatments, could transform TB care for millions of people, saving lives and lowering the burden of this devastating and costly disease." TB continues to be one of the deadliest infectious diseases globally, and an accessible vaccine for adults and adolescents could herald a turning point in the fight against it.

Interesting Facts and Statistics about Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis began to decline with the invention of the tuberculosis vaccine. Statistics show that the problem resurfaced with the HIV epidemic and the current crisis of drug resistant tuberculosis.

A Start to End Tuberculosis

The Gates Foundation intends to rally global governments to join this significant public health initiative. By fostering collaboration and support from nations worldwide, the aim is to combat TB and promote global well-being on an unprecedented scale.

Reference:

BCG vaccination at three different age groups: response and effectiveness - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15804351/)

Source-Medindia

Quiz on Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is a major health care concern, especially in Africa and South East Asia. Brush up your information on tuberculosis by taking this quiz.