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Unitaid invests US$52 million to expand lifesaving care for pregnant women in Africa

2026-03-19T12:52:30+02:00

New SUPREME initiative pairs Unitaid funding with CHAI and Amref expertise to tackle preeclampsia and anemia across seven African countries.

Geneva / Nairobi, 19 March 2026 – Magnesium sulfate can more than halve the risk of life-threatening seizures during pregnancy when given to women with severe preeclampsia. Yet despite costing less than one dollar and being recognized as the gold-standard treatment, barriers such as supply chain gaps, substandard quality, late diagnosis and untrained staff prevent many women in low- and middle-income countries from accessing it when they need it.

This is just one of more than 10 lifesaving tools that Unitaid aims to make more widely available through a new US$52.5 million investment to introduce and scale up existing interventions and emerging innovations to ensure pregnant women receive timely detection and treatment for preeclampsia and anemia. These include tools such as low-dose aspirin to prevent preeclampsia, blood-pressure screening devices, anemia diagnostics and treatments like intravenous iron.

Preeclampsia, a hypertensive disorder that can cause dangerous spikes in blood pressure and seizures, causes the death of tens of thousands of women and half a million newborns each year. Anemia, commonly linked to low iron levels, affects nearly 40% of all pregnant women globally and increases the risk of serious complications including hemorrhage, preeclampsia, preterm birth and low birth weight.

“No woman should die giving life from complications we know how to prevent and treat,” said Dr. Philippe Duneton, Executive Director of Unitaid. “Lifesaving medicines and diagnostics exist, yet too many women are unable to access them because of gaps in health systems. By accelerating access to both proven tools and new innovations, we can help ensure that women everywhere benefit from the advances in maternal health.”

The initiative brings together two of Africa’s most experienced global health implementers – Amref Health Africa (Amref) and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) – whose technical expertise on health systems strengthening, product development, market shaping, and supply chains will be critical to translating this investment into stronger product access and better maternal health outcomes for pre-eclampsia and maternal anemia.

“Getting the right product to the right woman at the right time is harder than it sounds – and that’s exactly the problem SUPREME is designed to solve,” said Marie Chantale Lepine, Vice President of the Global Markets Team, CHAI. “CHAI is working with partners to ensure that high-quality diagnostics and treatments for preeclampsia and anemia are developed, affordable, and made available equitably. Because turning investment into lives saved depends on what’s actually on the shelf when a woman walks through the door.”

“Too many women in Africa are still dying from pregnancy complications we already know how to prevent and treat,” said Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO of Amref Health Africa. “The medicines and diagnostics exist, but the real challenge is ensuring they reach women at the right time and in the right place. Through the SUPREME initiative, we will work with African governments, health workers and communities to embed these innovations into strong antenatal care systems that serve and protect women, no matter where they live.”

The SUPREME initiative will focus on Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Senegal and Tanzania, working with ministries of health to strengthen antenatal care services and ensure essential maternal health tools reach facilities where they are needed most. Select activities will also take place in Nigeria and South Africa.

The initiative tackles the availability, affordability and accessibility of these tools at the same time: CHAI will work to ensure the medicines and tools women need are rigorously tested, reliably supplied and priced within reach. Amref will lead in-country activities to ensure product introduction and conduct implementation research to guide scale up of these products as part of effective models of care. Both Amref and CHAI will work with a consortium of technical partners and research organizations to support implementation, evidence generation and policy uptake.

This work builds on Unitaid’s broader portfolio targeting major causes of maternal and newborn illness and death, including severe bleeding after childbirth (postpartum hemorrhage) and eliminating vertical (mother-to-child) transmission of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and Chagas disease. Future investments aim to address systemic barriers to product access across the supply chain, expanding access to lifesaving maternal and newborn health products.

The SUPREME (Sustained Uptake of Products for Pre-Eclampsia and Maternal Anemia) initiative is supported by Unitaid with additional funding from the Gates Foundation. SUPREME Secure is led by CHAI with the Concept Foundation, WACI Health, the Aurum Institute, and the Burnet Institute. SUPREME Lifelines is led by Amref with Jhpiego, Solthis and Market Access Africa.

About Unitaid
Unitaid saves lives by making new health products affordable and available in low- and middle-income countries. Collaborating with partners, Unitaid identifies innovative treatments, tackles market barriers, and quickly delivers solutions to those in need. Since 2006, Unitaid has unlocked over 100 health products, addressing HIV, TB, malaria, women’s and children’s health, and pandemic preparedness. Every year, these products benefit more than 300 million people. Unitaid is a hosted partnership of the World Health Organization. www.unitaid.org

About Amref Health Africa (Amref)
Amref Health Africa, headquartered in Kenya, is the largest Africa-based international health and development organization providing training and health services to over 20 million people annually in at least 30 countries in Africa. Amref Health Africa continues to evolve and innovate the approaches to increase sustainable health access among communities.

Amref manages a full range of medical and public health programs tackling the most critical health challenges facing the continent – including global health emergencies, communicable and non-communicable disease, neglected tropical diseases, maternal and childcare, as well as water, sanitation and climate change. Much of our credibility with local communities and African governments stems from the relationship and trust that we have built over the past 69 years. years. Our subsidiaries include Amref Flying Doctors and the Amref International University.

About CHAI
The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization committed to saving lives and improving health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries by enabling the government and private sector to strengthen and sustain quality health systems. For more information, please visit: www.clintonhealthaccess.org

Media contacts

Kyle Wilkinson, Unitaid: +41 79 445 17 45, wilkinsonk@unitaid.who.int
Maureen Cherongis, Amref Health Africa: cherongis@amref.org
Corina Milic, Clinton Health Access Initiative: +1 416 371 6313, cmilic@clintonhealthaccess.org

Clinical Trials Reveal Promising Alternatives to High-Toxicity Tuberculosis Drug

2025-07-01T11:03:54+02:00

Research shows two novel antibiotics could spare patients from severe side effects.

Johannesburg, 01.07.2025 – Two international clinical studies led by PD Dr Norbert Heinrich at the Institute of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine at LMU University Hospital Munich with international partners have shown the safety and efficacy of two promising antibiotics as potential alternatives to linezolid in the treatment of tuberculosis.
The drugs, sutezolid and delpazolid, have demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity and a notably better safety profile compared to linezolid, with potential to replace this current cornerstone in the treatment of drug-resistant TB. The findings were published on 30 June in two peer-reviewed articles in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, one of the world’s leading journals in the field of infectious disease medicine. Research partners in Germany included the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, the Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, the Center for International Health at LMU University Hospital and Helmholtz Munich.

The Challenge with Linezolid

In 2022, the World Health Organisation introduced linezolid as part of the BPaLM regimen, also comprising bedaquiline, pretomanid, and moxifloxacin, as the standard recommended 6-month treatment for patients with multidrug-resistant TB—reducing the duration from the previous standard 18 months. However, linezolid is problematic for patients as it shows significant toxicity. This prolonged exposure to linezolid, much longer than the originally intended use for bacterial skin infections, frequently leads to serious adverse events like anaemia or optical neuropathy, which are distressing for patients, may not resolve fully, and can require discontinuation of therapy, limiting treatment success.

“Despite its effectiveness, linezolid is simply too toxic for many patients. We urgently need safer alternatives in this antibiotic class,” says PD Dr Norbert Heinrich.

Both sutezolid and delpazolid are members of the oxazolidinone class, like linezolid, but are less toxic for patients. In two innovative Phase 2b clinical trials – SUDOCU (PanACEA Sutezolid Dose-finding and Combination Evaluation) and DECODE (PanACEA DElpazolid Dose-finding and COmbination DEvelopment) – both drugs were tested in combination with bedaquiline, delamanid, and moxifloxacin, making them the first trials to use these specific four-drug combinations. The studies, conducted in South Africa and Tanzania, showed that in patients with drug-sensitive pulmonary TB, both drugs are safer and more tolerable for patients than linezolid would be.

Key findings show better patient outcomes

Sutezolid was shown to be effective with strong antibacterial activity and was well tolerated across all tested doses, with no cases of nerve damage or blood toxicity—a critical advantage over linezolid. These results suggest sutezolid could be a safer alternative for future TB treatment regimens, particularly in long-term use, although no final dose recommendation can be made yet.

Delpazolid enhanced the effectiveness of the combination regimen with bedaquiline, delamanid, and moxifloxacin. A once-daily dose of 1200 mg achieved the desired drug levels for maximum efficacy and was well tolerated over 16 weeks. Importantly, no cases of nerve damage or blood-related side effects were observed at this dose. These results position delpazolid as a promising alternative to linezolid for future TB treatment regimens—pending confirmation in larger studies.

“These findings suggest that both drugs may offer safer treatment options for TB patients, particularly those requiring longer courses of therapy,” – noted Dr Tina Minja, National PI for the DECODE study at NIMR-Mbeya Medical Research Centre in Tanzania.

A Collaborative Global Effort

The studies were conducted as part of the PanACEA (Pan-African Consortium for the Evaluation of Anti-Tuberculosis Antibiotics) network, which includes clinical and academic partners across Africa and Europe. Both the SUDOCU and DECODE trials were innovative Phase 2b, open-label, randomized clinical studies that systematically compared different dosing levels to evaluate antibacterial activity, drug exposure, and safety profiles of sutezolid and delpazolid.

The Aurum Institute contributed through its Tembisa and Pretoria Clinical Research Sites in South Africa, where patient recruitment and pharmacokinetic sub-studies were conducted. Aurum’s involvement is part of its long-standing commitment to advancing TB treatment through clinical research.

Aurum is proud of its and collaborators’ key involvement in the trials testing sutezolid and delpazolid — new drugs known as oxazolidinones in the SUDOCU and DECODE trials. These drugs demonstrate improved tolerance over linezolid, currently used in the treatment of resistant TB, and offer significant potential for pan-TB regimens that target all strains of tuberculosis, regardless of rifampicin susceptibility. Whether they may also serve as improved alternatives to linezolid in treating Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains to be studied.

“I’m delighted to see the positive findings from these trials. Before coming to Aurum, I led Pfizer’s phase 1 and 2 studies of sutezolid. Aurum is currently conducting a phase 2c EDCTP-supported trial of three 4-month sutezolid-containing regimens for a pan-TB indication. This trial will be completed early next year.

I remain very optimistic that the promise of superior antimycobacterial activity and superior safety exhibited by sutezolid will be maintained. These new regimens have the potential to change the face of TB treatment,” said Dr Robert Wallis, former SUDOCU Principal Investigator and Chief Scientific Officer at The Aurum Institute.

Looking Ahead

The publication in The Lancet Infectious Diseases underscores the scientific relevance of these results and their potential to shape future TB treatment strategies. “Seeing fewer side effects with sutezolid and delpazolid is a significant step forward—it brings us closer to TB therapies that are both effective and easier for patients to tolerate”, commented Dr Ivan Norena, medical team lead at the Institute of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine at LMU University Hospital Munich.
Further research is now planned to evaluate sutezolid and delpazolid in larger cohorts and in fully optimised treatment combinations. If the promising results are confirmed, these drugs could play a critical role in the next generation of TB therapies, helping to reduce treatment-related side effects while maintaining efficacy.

Funding Acknowledgment

The SUDOCU study was conducted by the PanACEA consortium, funded by the EDCTP2 programme supported by the European Union with assistance from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), and Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (NWO). Further funding was provided by the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF); Otsuka provided delamanid for this study at no cost to the consortium; and Sequella provided sutezolid active pharmaceutical ingredient at no cost.

Additionally, DECODE was funded by LigaChem Biosciences; and utilised the PanACEA consortium structures that were established with support by the funders mentioned above. Otsuka provided delamanid tablets free of charge for this project.

Further Information

Delpazolid in combination with bedaquiline, delamanid, and moxifloxacin for pulmonary tuberculosis (PanACEA-DECODE-01): a prospective, randomised, open-label, phase 2b, dose-finding trial

Sutezolid in combination with bedaquiline, delamanid, and moxifloxacin for pulmonary tuberculosis (PanACEA-SUDOCU-01): a prospective, open-label, randomised, phase 2b dose-finding trial

The patient pursuit of safe treatment options for tuberculosis (The Lancet Comment by Rubeshan Perumala and Kogieleum Naidooa)

Lancet Inf Dis Podcast with Lilian Tina Minja and Norbert Heinrich on TB drug development

Press Release LMU Klinikum

Unitaid and partners cut cost of portable AI-compatible X-ray device, bringing TB screening closer to communities

2025-05-20T12:01:03+02:00

May 20, 2025: Unitaid and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) today announced a new agreement to dramatically lower the price and improve access to a battery-operated, ultraportable digital chest x-ray system – bringing cutting-edge tuberculosis (TB) screening closer to people’s homes and communities in low- and middle-income countries.

Weighing just 5kg (11lbs) and designed for use in the most remote settings, the device – developed by South Korea’s Poskom – is compatible with AI-driven computer-aided detection software, that interprets X-rays and performs on par with expert human radiologists. This combination allows for early TB screening and triage outside of traditional health facilities, overcoming long-standing barriers related to distance, cost and stigma.

"This innovation will help bring expert-level TB screening closer to the people and communities most affected by the disease, where health facilities are often out of reach” said Dr. Philippe Duneton, Unitaid’s Executive Director. “By making this technology more affordable and accessible, we are not only helping countries reach further with TB care, we are also reinforcing health systems to respond to lung disease more broadly”.

Under the new pricing agreement, the AirRay 20 ultraportable digital chest x-ray system will be available to eligible public and not-for-profit programs in 138 low- and middle-income countries at a discounted price, significantly reducing costs compared to similar quality assured ultraportable chest x-ray systems currently on the market. The list includes countries with a high burden of TB such as Vietnam, Kenya and South Africa. The system includes all components necessary for field implementation, including the ultralight x-ray generator, digital detector, adjustable stands, laptop for image processing, and backpack for easy transport.

"This agreement shows what's possible when we make life-saving technology affordable for those who need it most,” said Dr. Neil Buddy Shah, CHAI CEO. “With TB still being the world's largest infectious disease killer, access to low-cost diagnostics has remained a major barrier to care. By dramatically lowering the price of these portable X-ray systems, we're bringing a breakthrough solution directly to communities where people live. It's a powerful example of how smart market solutions can remove barriers to care and save lives today."

In addition to the price cut, CHAI will work with Poskom to strengthen distribution networks and service capacity, ensuring devices are reliable, maintained and always operational.

TB remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease, claiming an estimated 1.25 million lives in 2023 and causing illness in more than 10.8 million people¹. Despite global progress, nearly 1 in 5 people with TB still go undiagnosed each year – largely due to limited access to affordable and effective screening tools.

Digital chest x-ray, especially when paired with computer-aided detection software, is a powerful tool for detecting TB early – even when individuals do not show symptoms of active TB disease. Yet until now, this technology has been largely confined to health facilities, which are often out of reach for many people affected by TB due to distance, cost and stigma. The AirRay 20 changes that equation.

“Ultraportable chest X-ray has been an instrumental part of the ‘Double X’ strategy implemented by the Viet Nam NTP,” said Dr. Dinh Van Luong, Director of the National Lung Hospital and Manager of the National Tuberculosis Program in Viet Nam (VNTP). “With safe, lower cost systems, we are able to cost-effectively identify more cases and close the diagnostic gap.”

The new agreement is the first market-shaping intervention under the Unitaid-funded ASCENT DR-TB Market Access partnership, led by KNCV TB Foundation with support from CHAI and South Africa’s the Aurum Institute. The initiative is designed to improve affordability and availability of WHO-recommended TB diagnostics and treatment regimens.

For countries facing high TB burdens and limited resources, scalable solutions that deliver high-quality screening where it’s needed most are more critical than ever.

Note to editors:

About Computer-aided detection

Computer-aided detection (CAD) software can be used to interpret chest radiography instead of trained people like radiologists. CAD software products, which incorporate artificial intelligence in their functioning, have been shown to identify TB abnormalities as well as trained healthcare workers. However, for the time being, radiologists and other trained specialists are still needed to distinguish different diseases on chest X-rays or interpret chest X-rays for TB in children. The 2021 WHO recommendation on CAD relates only to its use to determine the likelihood that an X-ray abnormality is due to pulmonary TB or not. Nonetheless the field of CAD is rapidly evolving, and it is possible that these technologies will become proficient for other uses in medicine in future.

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

CHAI

Corina Milic

Director of Communications

cmilic@clintonhealthaccess.org

Unitaid

Kyle Wilkinson

Communications officer

+41 79 445 17 45
wilkinsonk@unitaid.who.int

About Unitaid

Unitaid is a global health organization that saves lives by making new health products available and affordable for people in low- and middle-income countries. Unitaid works with partners to identify innovative treatments, tests and tools, help tackle the market barriers that are holding them back, and get them to the people who need them most – fast. Since Unitaid was created in 2006, the organization has unlocked access to more than 100 groundbreaking health products to help address the world’s biggest health challenges, including HIV, TB and malaria; women’s and children’s health; and pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. Every year, more than 300 million people benefit from the products Unitaid has helped roll out. Unitaid is hosted by the World Health Organization.

About CHAI

The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization committed to saving lives and improving health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries by enabling the government and private sector to strengthen and sustain quality health systems. For more information, please visit: http://www.clintonhealthaccess.org

About The Aurum Institute

The Aurum Institute is a proudly African organisation working to advance health science and innovation to create a healthier world for future generations. We partner with governments, the private sector and civil society to design and deliver high-quality care and treatment to people in developing communities.

About KNCV TB Foundation

KNCV TB Foundation has been fighting TB since its establishment in 1903 as a collaborative effort by several private local TB control initiatives in the Netherlands. Over the past 120 years, the organization has acquired indispensable knowledge and experience in the field of effective TB prevention and care, resulting in pre-elimination in the Netherlands and significant contributions to global evidence generation, policy development and TB program implementation worldwide.

New Research Hub Launched to Study Health and Social Impact of Mining and Migration in Royal Bafokeng Nation

2024-11-27T08:20:26+02:00

JOHANNESBURG, 27 November 2024. The BAMMISHO Node, or Bafokeng Health & Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS), has been officially launched as the latest South African Population Research Infrastructure Network (SAPRIN) site in the Royal Bafokeng Nation, North-West Province. Located near Rustenburg’s platinum mines, this research hub will focus on the social and health effects of mining and migration on local communities.

Dr. Kobus Herbst, SAPRIN Director, remarked, "The addition of BAMMISHO as our seventh node marks an important expansion of SAPRIN’s network. This new site will not only generate essential insights into the health and socio-economic impacts of mining and migration but also strengthen our collective research capacity to address the unique challenges facing South African communities.” Dr Kobus Herbst, SAPRIN director “welcomed BAMMISHO as the seventh and newest node in South Africa aiming to produce high-quality research and enhance research capacity."

Led by the AWISE collaboration—a partnership including Aurum Institute, Wits University, Sefako Makgatho University of Health Sciences, and Johns Hopkins University—the BAMMISHO Node is set to gather robust, long-term data on health, migration, and demographic patterns in the Bojanala District. Home-grown public health experts Professor Keitshepile Geoff Setswe and Professor Malla Mathildah Mokgatle, along with Professors Chris Hofman and Latifat Ibisomi, will guide this project, with Ms. Ireen Mosweu leading community engagement efforts.

"Our goal is to create a world-class research site that not only informs public health policies but also improves community health outcomes," said Prof. Setswe. The Node will serve as a platform for high-impact research, attracting international and local researchers while supporting Vision 2035 of the Royal Bafokeng Nation and the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 on health and well-being.

Dr. Koketso Rakhudu, Kgosana of the Tsitsing village of the Royal Bafokeng Nation, welcomed the node. "This represents a significant step forward in our commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of our people, ensuring that the impact of mining and migration is thoroughly understood and addressed."

Key research activities include tracking 100,000 residents across 43,000 households to map demographic changes and health trends over time, addressing critical health challenges like HIV/AIDS, TB, chronic diseases, and the impacts of migration. The Node also aims to build a network of early-career researchers, offering financial support for smaller, community-based projects.

Dr Malebo Maponyane, Head of Health and Social Development Services at the Royal Bafokeng Nation said "The launch of the BAMMISHO Node is a pivotal moment for the Royal Bafokeng Nation. As the Head of Health and Social Development Services, I am committed to leveraging this research hub to enhance our understanding of mining and migration impacts. By prioritizing data-driven decisions, collaborating with esteemed partners, and engaging with our community, we will drive initiatives that ensure a healthier and more resilient future for all Bafokeng citizens." With three core units—implementation research and data management, clinical and laboratory research, and health systems research—the BAMMISHO Node will support studies that address urgent health and socio-economic needs while driving policy transformation for long-term community resilience.

"Through our work in the BAMMISHO Node, we aim to integrate behavioural and social research into our health initiatives, ensuring that we address the social determinants of health and improve access to services for all community members." shared Prof. Mokgatle, Head of the Department of Public Health at Sefako Makgatho University of Health Sciences

For more information, please contact Aurum Group Senior Marketing and Communications Director, Kanya Ndaki: KNdaki@auruminstitute.org (+27 832986100).

About SAPRIN

South African Population Research Infrastructure Network (SAPRIN) is a major new long-term investment in a national research infrastructure, funded by the national Department of Science, Technology, and Investment (DSTI) and hosted by the SA Medical Research Council (SAMRC). SAPRIN’s vision is equitable health and social wellbeing. Our mission is to achieve this through a dynamic and impactful research infrastructure underpinned by longitudinal population-based nodes in under-resourced communities across South Africa.

SAPRIN is a valuable resource for researchers and policymakers working to improve the health and wellbeing of South African communities. Through its focus on collaboration, partnership, and ethical research practices, SAPRIN is helping to build a more robust and responsive research infrastructure in South Africa, and to support evidence-based decision-making and policy development.

Of the seven SAPRIN nodes, four are rural and they are Agincourt (Mpumalanga), DIMAMO (Limpopo), AHRI (KwaZulu – Natal) and BAMMISHO (North – West). There are three urban nodes; GRT-INSPIRED (Gauteng), C-SHARP (Western Cape), and USINGA (KwaZulu-Natal). https://saprin.mrc.ac.za

About The Aurum Institute

The Aurum Institute is a proudly African organisation working to advance health, science, and innovation to create a healthier world for future generations. We partner with governments, the private sector and civil society to design and deliver high-quality care and treatment to people in developing communities. www.auruminstitute.org

About Wits School of Public Health

This multi-disciplinary school produces skilled public health practitioners appropriately trained to address the range of public health needs and challenges within South African and African settings. www.wits.ac.za/publichealth

Sefako Makgatho Department of Public Health

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), as the only health sciences university in South Africa, is strategically positioned to focus on multidisciplinary health research that will provide solutions to ease the quadruple burden of disease facing the country. www.smu.ac.za/public-health-programmes

The Royal Bafokeng Nation is a community in the North West Province of South Africa, primarily known for its rich cultural heritage and significant mineral wealth, particularly platinum. The Bafokeng people have a long history dating back to the 12th century, and they are led by a hereditary king, currently Kgosi Leruo Molotlegi.

This rural nation has successfully leveraged its mineral resources to invest in infrastructure, education, and economic development, making it one of the most prosperous rural communities in South Africa. The Royal Bafokeng Administration manages these resources and initiatives, aiming to create a sustainable and self-sufficient community. https://www.bafokenginstitute.org.za

About Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University, founded in 1876 as America’s first research university, is a global leader in education, research, and innovation. With a mission to advance knowledge and foster independent thinking, Johns Hopkins is home to world-renowned faculty, groundbreaking discoveries, and transformative scholarship across disciplines.

The university's commitment to excellence spans nine academic divisions, including the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, the Whiting School of Engineering, the School of Medicine, and the Bloomberg School of Public Health. Johns Hopkins consistently ranks among the top universities globally, driven by its dedication to addressing complex challenges and improving lives worldwide. www.jhu.edu.

The Aurum Institute Announces New Group CEO to Lead Next Phase of Growth

2024-08-26T08:20:26+02:00

JOHANNESBURG, 26 August 2024. The Aurum Institute, a leading Africa-based global health organisation today announced that Professor Dave Clark will succeed Professor Gavin Churchyard as Group CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Prof Churchyard, who founded Aurum and has led the organisation for 26 years, will retire at the end of 2024. Aurum is a leader in the prevention and treatment of HIV and tuberculosis (TB) and played an important role in Africa’s COVID response.

Prof Clark, who holds degrees in medicine (MBBCh), business administration (MBA), commerce (BCom) and health services management (DHSM), has been an integral part of Aurum's leadership since its founding. As the current Group chief operating officer, he brings comprehensive insight into the organisation's mission and operations and governance systems, all designed to generate evidence for policy and how it is translated into health care practice.

"I am honoured to lead Aurum into its next chapter," said Prof Clark. "Aurum's strength lies in our ability to be locally rooted and globally influential. We will build on this foundation to continuously improve global health, from our crucial work in TB and HIV to addressing the rise of non-communicable diseases, particularly in Africa, and strengthening global health security in advance of future pandemics."

Professor Clark has overseen the implementation of Aurum’s large body of work throughout Africa. He has played a pivotal leadership role in all of Aurum’s research and health programmes to date, most notably in the grants awarded under the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the US Government’s premier programme to end the HIV epidemic. Aurum’s work under PEPFAR has seen over 850,000 lives saved through antiretroviral therapy over the past 20 years.

Referencing the impact of Aurum’s work, Prof Clark said, “It is incredible to see the health of an individual change because evidence has influenced policy at a national and global level. Aurum is uniquely positioned to drive such changes. We do the science and the clinical trials, use the evidence they generate to influence policy and then implement those policies in the trenches of global health delivery. And we do it with the most incredible staff and partners in the world.”

Dr Jerry Gule, chair of Aurum's board of directors, enthusiastically endorsed the appointment. "Prof Clark's selection by the Board was unanimous. It came after a rigorous process that considered nearly 200 candidates. His deep understanding of Aurum, coupled with his vision for the future, makes him the ideal leader to build on Prof Churchyard's remarkable legacy. The Board is committed to supporting Prof Clark in maintaining Aurum's strong African identity while expanding its global influence," shared Dr Gule.

Previously, Prof Clark worked as a medical doctor and later became the general manager of Anglogold Health Services, providing health care for 300,000 gold miners acutely vulnerable to HIV and TB. He joined Aurum in 2004 as deputy CEO and executive director of the board to operate on the cutting edge of HIV and TB research. He has played a pivotal role in its growth from a small research foundation with a staff of 30 to a major global health organisation with a staff of 3,000. His operational and governance leadership has enabled the organisation to manage large-scale, complex health programmes with the highest standards of accountability and impact.

Prof Churchyard, the outgoing CEO, expressed his support for the transition. “It has been an incredible journey leading Aurum for the past 26 years, and I'm proud of what we've accomplished. I am confident that under Dave Clark’s leadership, with his passion for our mission and strategic insights, Aurum will make ever greater contributions to our communities and to global health," lauded Churchyard.

Upon his retirement as Group CEO, Prof Churchyard will assume the position of president emeritus to provide support to Prof Clark, pursue his own programme of research and continue to be an ambassador for Aurum.

As Aurum prepares for this leadership transition, the organisation remains committed to its core mission of improving health outcomes in Africa and beyond,” Dr Gule said. “The challenges facing global health are changing, and under Prof Clark’s leadership, Aurum will also evolve to directly address the most pressing challenges, using the most innovative methods, to take success to scale.

Notes to editors

About The Aurum Institute:

The Aurum Institute is a proudly African organisation whose mission is to generate evidence for policy and translate policy into practice to positively impact the health of communities globally. We partner with governments, the private sector and civil society to design and deliver high-quality care and treatment to people in developing communities.

About Professor Dave Clark, MBBCh, BCom, MBA, CD(SA)

Dr Dave Clark is an expert in global health management from Johannesburg, South Africa. He is currently the Group chief operations officer of The Aurum Institute. He was part of executive and clinical management of hospitals and health services in the gold subsidiary of the Anglo-American group up until 2004 before moving to Aurum. As an executive director and board member of Aurum, Dr Clark is strongly involved in all aspects of the healthcare research and delivery, as well as oversees all business services and strategic management of the company. His activities include the implementation of business and information technology solutions for financial, human resource, and research data management to support the work of the scientific and clinical departments.

Dr Clark’s strengths include an analytical mind with an emphasis on lateral thinking as well as an ability to draw operational teams together and motivate them to implement projects that deliver results. He has a particular interest in systems design and implementation and the development of governance and executive leadership for NGO’s and small companies.

Dr Clark qualified in medicine at Wits University in Johannesburg. He holds a master's degree in business administration and a Bachelor of Commerce Degree, as well as a diploma in health services management. Dave is also a Chartered Director (SA).

Dr Clark holds an adjunct professor appointment at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, and is an executive and non-executive board member of several companies.

About Professor Gavin Churchyard, MBBCh (WITS), FCP (SA), FRCP (Edin), MMed (Int Med), PhD (WITS)

Professor Gavin Churchyard is the founder and current Group chief executive officer of The Aurum Institute (NPC). He is a specialist physician (internal medicine) with a master’s degree in medicine and a doctorate degree in infectious diseases. He is a National Research Foundation A-rated scientist, an honorary professor at the University of Witwatersrand, School of Public Health, and an adjunct professor at Vanderbilt School of Medicine. He is the co-chair of the National Institutes of Health, Cross-Network TB vaccine Working Group, and the principal investigator on numerous TB vaccine and preventive treatment trials. He has published widely in the areas of TB and HIV treatment and prevention and contributed to international and national guidelines for TB.

New Study: Combo Treatment Can Help Solve the TB-HIV Co-Infection Crisis — More than Half a Million People Could Benefit

2024-03-06T14:18:19+02:00

For people starting HIV treatment, combining dolutegravir-containing antiretroviral therapy with 3HP TB preventive treatment is safe and works effectively in tandem

DENVER (March 5, 2023) — New clinical trial results show that the best-in-class treatment for HIV works well with one of the best tuberculosis (TB) preventive treatments. The trial looked at people who had yet to start treatment for HIV, evaluating how dolutegravir (DTG)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) works when taken together with 3HP, a short, three-month course of isoniazid and rifapentine. The results, showing the safety of starting DTG-based ART and 3HP TB preventive treatment at the same time, were presented today at the 2024 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) in Denver, Colorado.

Each year, there are an estimated 670,000 new TB cases among people living with HIV and an estimated 167,000 deaths from TB-related HIV. The findings of the study, funded by Unitaid through the IMPAACT4TB project, show the promise of simultaneous initiation of DTG and 3HP to prevent a major health threat in sub-Saharan Africa and the world.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and, whenever possible, it is best to get that ounce in early,” said Ethel Weld, MD PhD, an assistant professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the principal investigator in the study. “This study looked at the safety, efficacy, and drug levels of DTG when given together with 3HP from the outset in new HIV patients. Though an expected interaction was seen, DTG still held down HIV viral loads, and the combination was safe and well-tolerated.”

The trial — called “DOLPHIN-TOO” — focused on DTG drug concentrations in blood among people living with HIV who had never previously been treated with ART and who are also taking 3HP or 6 months of isoniazid (6H). At the same time that the patients started DTG, they also started either 3HP or 6H. Studies have shown the 3HP regimen is preferred by patients, has less toxicity and is more achievable for patients to complete than the longer courses of isoniazid (which can last up to a year in some places).

The trial focused on whether the levels of DTG in the blood were impacted by the 3HP regimen. The results showed that, while people in the 3HP group did have lower levels the DTG in their blood stream than people in the 6H group, they were nonetheless able to achieve viral suppression (an undetectable level of HIV virus in blood) by 8 weeks and maintain it for the length of the six-month study. Minimal side effects were seen, none were severe and the majority were resolved with continuation of therapy. Previous research, released at the Union World Conference on Lung Health in November of 2023, had provided information on the safety and efficacy of the use of 3HP and DTG together, without data on the drug levels in the blood.

This study points to the use of short course TB preventive treatment in people who are newly diagnosed with HIV and are at highest risk of active TB disease. The results will inform WHO and country-level policy on the timing of TB preventive treatment in people who are newly initiating DTG based ART in high burden TB countries globally. This study complements previous studies conducted by the Unitaid-funded IMPAACT4TB consortium that determined the safety of use of 3HP in people living with HIV who are already established and virally suppressed on DTG-based ART. Those studies increased the demand for the product, which led to a reduction in the price of the product, fostering widescale access to short course TPT. This is expected to reduce TB mortality by 150,000 by 2035.

“For patients with HIV, the best time to start TB preventive treatment is when they are first starting ART,” said Professor Gavin Churchyard, the group CEO of the Aurum Institute. “This is when patients are most closely monitored and are in regular contact with clinics and healthcare providers, making it easier to monitor them for any potential side effects. Seeing how safe and effective simultaneous initiation of 3HP and DTG-based ART is, this approach needs to be adopted in every country where TB is prevalent. The only way we will end TB is if we systematically prevent new TB cases in people with HIV up front — and we now have the recipe to do so.”

“This research gives programs the green light to fully integrate 3HP into the care of people with HIV right from the very beginning of HIV treatment,” said Mike Frick, co-director of the TB program the Treatment Action Group, a community-based research and policy think tank. “We already knew that it was okay to use 3HP and dolutegravir together in people experienced with HIV treatment. Now we know the same is true for people who are just starting HIV treatment for the first time. National governments should feel confident using 3HP in HIV programs, and donors, including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund, should support countries in procuring 3HP as an essential part of the HIV clinical care package."

Note to editors:

About IMPAACT4TB

The Increasing Market and Public Health Outcomes Through Scaling Up Affordable Access Models of Short Course Preventive Therapy for TB (IMPAACT4TB) Consortium is led by the Aurum Institute and comprised of Unitaid, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Johns Hopkins University, KNCV the Dutch TB Foundation and the Treatment Action Group (TAG).

People living with HIV (PLHIV) and child contacts are at highest risk of contracting TB. The initial IMPAACT4TB grant looked at the safety of co-administering and dosing of 3HP and DTG and, once that was ascertained, the project moved on to introduce and roll out 3HP as an additional TPT option among PLHIV and household contacts of TB patients in 12 low-middle income countries, namely: Brazil, Ethiopia, Cambodia, Indonesia, South Africa, India, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Ghana and Tanzania.

Although the project was focused in these 12 countries, efforts were also made to ensure wider access to 3HP. These efforts saw over 70 additional countries procuring 3HP for use among eligible populations. The grant also funded studies on the use of 3HP in ART-naive patients on DTG-based regimens (DOLPHIN TOO), dosing of 3HP in children from 0-2 years (TBTC Study 35) and improved TPT service delivery, as

well as community advocacy for improved TPT policy and uptake within project countries. www.impaact4tb.org

About Unitaid:

Unitaid saves lives by making new health products available and affordable for people in low- and middle-income countries. Unitaid works with partners to identify innovative treatments, tests and tools; helps tackle the market barriers that are holding them back; and gets them to the people who need them most — fast. Since it was created in 2006, Unitaid has unlocked access to more than 100 groundbreaking health products to help address the world’s greatest health challenges, including HIV, TB and malaria; women’s and children’s health; and pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. Every year, these products benefit more than 170 million people. Unitaid is a hosted partnership of the World Health Organization. www.unitaid.org

About Aurum Institute

The Aurum Institute is a proudly African organisation working to advance health, science and innovation to create a healthier world for future generations. We partner with governments, the private sector and civil society to design and deliver high-quality care and treatment to people in developing communities. www.auruminstitute.org

New Child-Friendly Formulation of Rifapentine for Short Course Tuberculosis Prevention Treatment.

2023-12-11T18:59:28+02:00

Now Available as Unitaid and IMPAACT4TB Launch an Early Market Access Vehicle (EMAV)

More than 2 million children and adolescents lack preventive treatment for TB, which is needed for those living with HIV or exposed to TB at home.

Johannesburg, 11 December 2023 – A new formulation of rifapentine (P), designed especially for children by Lupin Limited, has been approved for use in tuberculosis (TB) prevention treatment options known as 3HP.* The child-friendly formulation of isoniazid (H) then can be included with rifapentine to make the regimen fully child-friendly.

The Unitaid-funded IMPAACT4TB Consortium, led by the Aurum Institute, which pioneered the introduction of shorter, rifapentine-based TB preventive treatment options, is announcing that the new formulation will reach the market at a price of US$6,53 - US$15,80, depending on the weight of a child. The affordable price also means that 3HP treatment in children is now cheaper than alternative TB preventive treatments available for children. This is the first time low- and middle- income countries will avoid a higher price per tablet for a paediatric TB formulation.

The IMPAACT4TB Consortium, since its inception in 2017, has worked to overcome barriers to access patient-friendly formulations of rifapentine-based regimens, pushing manufacturers to develop and commercialize these products. This resulted in the procurement of over 4.2 million patient courses of 3HP across 78 countries. The paediatric formulation, now available to governments and global health procurers in more than 135 countries, is water-soluble and raspberry-flavoured, making it easy to administer and more acceptable to children.

An assessment conducted within the project of the paediatric TB preventive treatment (TPT) market estimated that about 2.25 million children and adolescents need TPT every year due to their HIV status or based on exposure to TB within the home. We have not met the targets for TPT in children, placing millions of children at risk of developing TB. The new paediatric formulation is expected to improve access for all children.

IMPAACT4TB will catalyse the uptake of the paediatric product through an Early Market Access Vehicle (EMAV) of approximately 85,000 patient courses of the rifapentine 150mg single tablets that need to be coupled with isoniazid to make 3HP.

This child-friendly formulation promises to make a significant improvement in access to TB prevention for children. Parents and caregivers deserve an easier time keeping children free from the world’s most deadly infection—and children deserve a childhood free from the shadow of TBinfection

said Tendayi Westerhof, director of the Pan African Positive Women's Coalition, an IMPAACT4TB community partner in Zimbabwe.

Historically, children have been marginalised in the fight against TB. We have not developed child-appropriate medicines for prevention or treatment until long after the adult versions reach the market. This innovation levels the playing field for our next generation and keeps them healthy

said Professor Gavin Churchyard, the group CEO of the Aurum Institute.

Child formulations are a critical but largely neglected area of child health. Because a fruit-flavoured, dispersible medicine can make the difference between a child taking their medicine or not, they can be transformative in the lives of children and caregivers affected by disease. As the leading multilateral funder of child tuberculosis research and development, Unitaid is proud to have supported this work and countless other efforts to ensure children can access the best and most appropriate medicines for TB treatment and prevention

said Dr. Philippe Duneton, executive director of Unitaid.

Children deserve access to the same life-saving medicine to prevent TB as adults. Our work with public and private sector organizations through the IMPAACT4TB market shaping partnerships means that today, they are finally getting that access

said Dr. Neil Buddy Shah, CEO of the Clinton Health Access Initiative.

The availability of Rifapentine Dispersible tablets is a testament to Lupin’s unwavering commitment to transforming lives and shaping a healthier future. It signifies our dedication to meeting unmet medical needs and our pursuit of an equitable world. With this novel child-friendly treatment, we aim for a future where innovative solutions close gaps in global health, ensuring no child is left behind in the fight against tuberculosis

said Mr. Nilesh Gupta, managing director, Lupin.

Globally, TB disease killed 1,3 million people in 2022, more than any other infectious disease. Children 0-14 years make up 214,000 of these deaths. Children who are infected with TB, especially those under the age of 5, are at higher risk of progressing from TB infection to active TB disease compared to adults. While children comprised about 12% of TB diagnoses in 2022, they represented an estimated 16% of those killed by TB in the same year.

Evidence shows that short-course TB preventive treatment regimens are cost-effective; people taking shorter drug regimens are up to three times more likely to complete their course of TPT than those on longer regimens—leading to better outcomes and more lives saved.

*WHO currently recommends the use of 3HP in children 2 years of age and above. Dosing for younger children will be reviewed by the WHO Technical Advisory Group on dosing in Q1 2024.

Notes to editors:

About Unitaid: Unitaid saves lives by making new health products available and affordable for people in low- and middle-income countries. Unitaid works with partners to identify innovative treatments, tests and tools; helps tackle the market barriers that are holding them back; and gets them to the people who need them most—fast. Since it was created in 2006, Unitaid has unlocked access to more than 100 groundbreaking health products to help address the world’s greatest health challenges, including

HIV, TB and malaria; women’s and children’s health; and pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. Every year, these products benefit more than 170 million people. Unitaid is a hosted partnership of the World Health Organization.

About the Aurum Institute: The Aurum Institute is a proudly African organisation working to advance health, science and innovation to create a healthier world for future generations. We partner with governments, the private sector and civil society to design and deliver high-quality care and treatment to people in developing communities. https://www.auruminstitute.org/

About IMPAACT4TB: The Increasing Market and Public Health Outcomes Through Scaling Up Affordable Access Models of Short Course Preventive Therapy For TB (IMPAACT4TB) Consortium is led by the Aurum Institute and comprised of the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Johns Hopkins University, KNCV the Dutch TB Foundation and the Treatment Action Group (TAG). People living with HIV (PLHIV) and child contacts are at highest risk of contracting TB. The initial IMPAACT4TB grant looked at the safety of co-administering and dosing of 3HP and DTG and, once that was ascertained, the project moved on to introduce and roll out 3HP as an additional TPT option among PLHIV and household contacts of TB patients in 12 low-middle income countries, namely: Brazil, Ethiopia, Cambodia, Indonesia, South Africa, India, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Ghana and Tanzania. Although the project was focused in these 12 countries, efforts were also made to ensure wider access to 3HP. These efforts saw over 60 additional countries procuring 3HP for use among eligible populations. The grant also funded studies on the use of 3HP in ART-naive patients on DTG-based regimens (DOLPHIN TOO), dosing of 3HP in children from 0-2 years (TBTC Study 35) and improved TPT service delivery, as well as community advocacy for improved TPT policy and uptake within project countries. Note: 3HP is currently recommended for children who are HIV negative and children living with HIV on Efavirenz based regimens. Evidence is currently being generated for use in children on DTG-based regimens.

About Lupin: Lupin is an innovation-led transnational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Mumbai, India. The company develops and commercializes a wide range of branded and generic formulations, biotechnology products and APIs in over 100 markets in the U.S., India and South Africa, and across the Asia Pacific (APAC), Latin America (LATAM), Europe and Middle East regions. Lupin has 15 manufacturing sites, seven research centres, more than 20,000 professionals working globally, and has been consistently recognized as a ‘Great Place to Work’ in the Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals sector.

To request an interview, or for more information, please contact:

Kyle Wilkinson: wilkinsonk@unitaid.who.int ( +41 79 445 17 45 )

Kanya Ndaki: KNdaki@auruminstitute.org ( +27 832986100 )

Ian Gachichio: ian.gachichio@burness.com ( +254 721300873 )

Prof. Gavin Churchyard receives A-rating from National Research Foundation

2023-11-02T11:10:29+02:00

South Africa’s National Research Foundation has released its rating of researchers as part of its goal to develop an internationally competitive scientific research system. Aurum Group CEO Prof Gavin Churchyard has received an A-rating, which is given to researchers who are recognised by their peers as leading international scholars in their field, and for the high quality and impact of their recent research.

The rating system developed by the NRF is a valuable tool for measuring the quality of South African researchers against the best in the world. Individuals are rated according to the quality and impact of their research over the past 8 years.

In the field of medical and health sciences in South Africa, Prof. Churchyard joins an exclusive group of 24 scientists who have earned the NRF A rating.

An A-rating is the highest achievable rating for researchers on the NRF's rating system. Commenting on his A-rating Prof. Churchyard highlighted that it serves as both a recognition of past accomplishments and a reminder of the ongoing work that lies ahead. “I am deeply honoured to receive the NRF A-rating, a recognition that reflects the incredible efforts of our entire team at The Aurum Institute. This milestone is a reminder of the important contribution that African researchers are making in global health.”

Prof Churchyard completed his MBBCh, Master’s in Internal Medicine and PhD in Infectious Diseases at the University of the Witwatersrand and is a Fellow of the College of Physicians in South Africa and the Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh. He has published 300 peer-reviewed articles over his career, including in high impact journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, Lancet, and Nature Medicine. Prof Churchyard has published 12 book chapters. His research contributed to changing World Health Organisation (WHO) policy on TB prevention and screening and catalysed the adoption and scale up of short course TB preventive treatment by more than 50 high burden countries.

He has contributed to the development of numerous WHO guidelines in the areas of TB TB/HIV, and COVID-19, and target regimen profiles for treatment of TB disease and infection. Prof Churchyards other research interests include TB vaccines, TB host directed therapy, TB diagnostics and case finding, HIV vaccines, COVID-19, and occupational lung disease.

About The Aurum Institute

To request an interview, or for more information, please contact:
Group Communications Director, Kanya Ndaki, KNdaki@auruminstitute.org +27 832986100

PanTB-HM Clinical Trial Begins Recruitment in South Africa

2023-09-29T12:14:15+02:00

The panTB-HM clinical trial has begun patient recruitment in South Africa, with first patient dosed on 28 July 2023. This trial is a historic milestone in the quest to revolutionise tuberculosis (TB) treatment and improve outcomes for all TB patients.

The panTB-HM trial addresses the World Health Organisation (WHO) target profile for new TB regimens that can be administered without prior knowledge of rifampicin susceptibility, the marker for multi-drug resistant TB. The panTB-HM trial is designed as a phase 2c trial, aligning with WHO recommendations for TB regimen development.

The trial's primary objective is to assess the proportion of patients with durable, non-relapsing cure, representing a pivotal step in advancing TB treatment paradigms. The goal is a more effective, shorter-duration TB treatment that protects lung function during and after treatment.

The innovative regimen contains new TB drugs bedaquiline and pretomanid and the experimental new oxazolidinone sutezolid. Extensive preclinical studies and phase 1 and 2 clinical trials of sutezolid demonstrated excellent safety over up to three months of daily oral dosing, a substantially better safety profile than other oxazolidinones used in TB regimens (i.e., linezolid).

Even after successful treatment with standard drug regimens, many TB survivors endure persistent lung conditions, such as bronchiectasis and fibrosis, that gradually erode lung function. The panTB-HM trial incorporates N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a repurposed host-directed WHO essential medicine. NAC is used to protect both the liver and lung from oxidative damage, preserving lung function and accelerating the eradication of MTB infection by replenishing glutathione (GSH).

Tuberculosis remains a formidable global health challenge, causing significant morbidity, mortality, and socio-economic consequences. In 2021, WHO estimated 10.6 million cases of TB worldwide and >500,000 of these patients had multi-drug resistant TB. TB continues to be the global infectious disease with the highest mortality rate, with 1.6 million deaths in 2021, topped only by pandemic COVID.

The panTB-HM trial is a collaboration led by The Aurum Institute, with Prof Robert Wallis as Aurum Institute Chief Scientific Officer and Principal Investigator of the trial. The consortium includes academic institutions Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen (Germany) Stellenbosch University (South Africa), and Stichting Katholieke Universiteit-Radboudumc (Netherlands); clinical trial sites include Wits Health Consortium`s Clinical HIV Research Unit (South Africa) and National Institute for Medical Research in Mbeya (Tanzania, United Republic of); the consortium also includes a corporate collaborator, Sequella Inc (United States).

The trial is funded by the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), grant number RIA2019AMR-264.

Clinical Trial Registration Information Sites:

Pan African Clinical Trials Registry: https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=24206

South African Clinical Trials Registry: https://sanctr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=6986

ClinicalTrials.gov:https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05686356?term=panTBHM&rank=1

About The Aurum Institute

For the latest information and updates on the panTB-HM trial, please visit our official website at https://pantb-hm.org/.

For media inquiries and additional details, please contact:

Don Mudzengi Email: dmudzengi@auruminstitute.org

Lancet Commission Calls for Renewed Global Response on TB

2023-09-14T09:21:45+02:00

As the United Nations High-Level Meeting (UNHLM) on TB approaches, a new report from the Lancet Commission on tuberculosis releases recommendations, providing a path forward to turn the tide on this preventable, treatable and curable disease.

For the first time in 20 years there has been an increase in TB deaths — rising from 1.4 million in 2019 to 1.6 million in 2021 — as COVID-19 erased years of reduction in TB mortality rates. Moreover, there has been a troubling decline in the number of people diagnosed with TB, estimating that one-third of people were undiagnosed and untreated in 2022. The COVID pandemic had a significant impact on the ability of global health systems to prevent, screen and treat TB. COVID-19 quickly and substantially disrupted TB response efforts as diagnostic infrastructure was diverted away from TB programs and shutdowns led to reduced access to TB treatment services. In almost all high TB burden countries, COVID-19 resulted in health worker shortages and burnout, further diminishing health systems’ capacity to provide essential TB services. COVID-19 also had a negative effect on many countries’ abilities to invest in health, with precious resources for health programs being diverted to respond to COVID and economic disruptions impacting governments’ abilities to prioritize health moving forward.

“Progress on fighting TB has been stalled, but we can and must get back on track. As this new critical report states, we must focus on a new menu of tools that have the potential to revolutionize TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment.” stated Dr. Eric Goosby, Commission co-Chair, UCSF Professor of Medicine and former UN Special Envoy on Tuberculosis.

Lancet Commission Report Endorses New Menu of Tools New treatment regimens and several late-stage vaccine candidates present an incredible opportunity to make major inroads in preventing TB deaths. Recommendations put forth by the Commission include:

Immediate scale-up in access to molecular diagnostics and AI-assisted chest x-ray technology.
Sustained investments in research and development to accelerate progress on new tools including non-sputum-based tests such as tongue swabs, urine-based antigen tests and improved screening tools, all of which are faster and more accurate than sputum tests, which can take one to eight weeks to provide results.
Addressing malnutrition as a major risk factor for TB with more than a third of annual TB incidence attributable to undernutrition — especially in Southeast Asia. Recent research illustrates the positive impact of giving food baskets to patients with TB and their closest contacts. In a large study in India, better nutrition in patients with TB reduced incidence of infection by nearly 50 percent while reducing mortality among those treated for TB by nearly 60 percent.
Endorsement of the 1/4/6x24 campaign, an effort to bring new, shorter, safe and effective TB regimens to as many countries as possible by 2024. Specifically, the report outlines recommendations for ensuring access to one-month regimen or once-weekly for TB prevention, four months for drug-sensitive TB, and six months treatment regimen for drug-resistant TB.

“The newer, shorter 1/4/6 TB treatment regimens can have a huge impact on adherence and efficacy,” said Soumya Swaminathan, Commission Co-chair and former World Health Organization Chief Scientist. “To maximize the impact of these significant treatment breakthroughs, we need more countries adopting the new treatment paths faster. Adjunct therapies like nutritional support can also go a long way in reducing deaths due to TB.”

Economic Cost of Inaction - Recommendations for The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria

The cost of inaction on TB is massive. More than 27 million lives and over $13 trillion in economic losses will result if there is a business-as-usual trajectory between now and 2050. A recent estimate commissioned by the STOP TB Partnership proposes a near-term target of US$15 billion a year, rising to US$20 billion in 2025, to end TB by 2030. This estimate takes into account lost ground due to COVID-19 and acceleration in the development of new tools.

Donor financing plays a significant role in funding TB resources in many low- and middle-income countries. TB receives less funding from the Global Fund compared to HIV and malaria even though TB accounts for 61 percent of global deaths caused by the three diseases. The report recommends that the Global Fund allocate more money to TB based on disease burden and cost-effectiveness. It also suggests prioritising the increase in TB support for low-income countries with higher TB mortality.

This new report is a follow-up to the 2019 Lancet Commission on tuberculosis. The first report outlined a blueprint for reaching the goals set by the first UNHLM in 2018. While progress has been made in some areas, the targets of the UNHLM have not yet been achieved. Some African countries have sustained declines in TB mortality, but more than seven million people have died from TB in the past five years, emphasizing the urgency to accelerate efforts.

This year’s UNHLM on TB is taking place on September 22 and presents a critical opportunity to mobilise political will and resources to scale up new technology, emphasising affordability and availability.

“TB advocates and survivors like me know there aren’t a lot of opportunities to shed light on this disease despite its impact on so many people across the world. We are demanding that countries step up and prioritize the funding and technology that will get us to a TB-free world,” said Nandita Venkatesan, TB survivor champion and journalist.

In addition to holding a High-Level Meeting on TB, additional meetings will focus on Pandemic Preparedness and Response (PPR) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The Commission highlights several areas where aligning global TB efforts with the PPR and UHC agendas would be mutually beneficial, emphasising that investing in PPR should be synergistic with efforts to end TB.

The Lancet Commission received support from the United States Agency for International Development through Supporting, Mobilising, and Accelerating Research for Tuberculosis Elimination, a five-year cooperative agreement that aims to transform TB prevention and care.