Telacebec is a new first-in-class antituberculosis drug that targets mycobacterial energy production. Preliminary results of a phase 2A proof of concept study showed bactericidal activity with an increase in time to positivity of liquid overnight sputum cultures of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Comprehensive results of the phase 2A proof-of-concept clinical trial in patients with pulmonary TB confirm telacebec as a first-in-class agent with clinical activity against M. tuberculosis, with dose-proportional pharmacokinetics. The drug was well-tolerated and safe.

Telacebec’s efficacy to treat TB will now be explored in further clinical studies in combination with other agents targeting mycobacterial energy production. The drug is also showing promising results in the treatment of other mycobacterial diseases, including leprosy and Buruli ulcer.