The long and winding road to inhaled TB therapy: not only the bug's fault

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) treatment success is influenced by factors beyond pathogen characteristics.
• Conventional antibiotic approaches for TB are insufficient, necessitating exploration of alternative strategies.
• Host-directed therapies and novel administration routes are gaining attention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate the constraints hindering research in inhalation approaches for TB treatment.
• To discuss recent advances in preclinical and clinical inhalation strategies for TB.
• To provide future perspectives on the success and failure risks of TB inhalation therapies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on inhalation for TB.
• Analysis of factors limiting research and funding in this area.
• Critical evaluation of current and emerging inhalation technologies for TB.

Main Results:

• Research and funding for TB inhalation therapies are disproportionately low compared to conventional methods.
• Despite challenges, inhalation offers a logical route to enhance TB treatment effectiveness and patient compliance.
• Various preclinical and clinical advances in inhalation approaches are identified, alongside their associated risks and potential successes.

Conclusions:

• Overcoming research and funding barriers is crucial for advancing TB inhalation therapies.
• Inhalation strategies hold significant potential for improving TB treatment outcomes.
• Further investigation and investment are needed to realize the full potential of inhaled TB treatments.