Recent advancements in the development of anti-tuberculosis drugs

Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2017 Feb 1;27(3):370-386. doi: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.11.084. Epub 2016 Nov 29.

Abstract

Modern chemotherapy has significantly improved patient outcomes against drug-sensitive tuberculosis. However, the rapid emergence of drug-resistant tuberculosis, together with the bacterium's ability to persist and remain latent present a major public health challenge. To overcome this problem, research into novel anti-tuberculosis targets and drug candidates is thus of paramount importance. This review article provides an overview of tuberculosis highlighting the recent advances and tools that are employed in the field of anti-tuberculosis drug discovery. The predominant focus is on anti-tuberculosis agents that are currently in the pipeline, i.e. clinical trials.

Keywords: Drug discovery and development; Drug-resistance; Mycobacterium; Tuberculosis.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antitubercular Agents / pharmacology
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Bacterial Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • DNA, Bacterial / chemistry
  • DNA, Bacterial / metabolism
  • Drug Discovery
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial / drug effects
  • Genomics
  • Humans
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / drug effects
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / genetics
  • Tuberculosis / diet therapy*
  • Tuberculosis / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • DNA, Bacterial