The Role of Clinical Trials in Advancing Care for Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) affects millions of people worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for ongoing research. Clinical trials are vital in expanding our understanding of the disease and advancing more effective treatments. With TB cases increasing in recent years, the role of clinical research has never been more critical in the fight against this global health threat.
With nearly five decades of expertise in managing clinical trials across all development phases, from early to late-stage, Simbec-Orion has established itself as a leader in the field. In this article, we take a closer look at tuberculosis, the significance of World TB Day in raising awareness, and the vital role clinical trials play in advancing treatment.
What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or spits, making it highly contagious.
Not everyone infected with TB will become ill. If you have TB bacteria in your body but show no symptoms, it is known as inactive or latent TB. Approximately 5-10% of those with latent TB will eventually develop symptoms and progress to active disease.
Symptoms of Tuberculosis
Symptoms of tuberculosis come on gradually, and might include:
- Tiredness and exhaustion
- A cough that lasts longer than 3 weeks
- A high temperature
- Night sweats
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
TB can spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, bones or brain. In these cases, symptoms might include:
- Body aches and pains
- Swollen glands and joints
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Stomach and pelvic pain
- A rash
- Stiff neck
- Cloudy or dark urine
- Being sick
Who is Affected?
TB can affect both children and adults. However, certain conditions can increase the risk of developing a more severe form of the disease, including:
- Regularly smoking or taking drugs
- Having a weakened immune system (for example, if you have HIV or a kidney transplant)
- Spending a lot of time with someone with active TB
- Having TB previously, without proper treatment
World TB Day
World TB Day is observed annually on 24th March to raise awareness about tuberculosis and its global impact. World TB Day is one of eleven official global public health campaigns recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The date marks Dr. Robert Koch’s 1882 announcement of his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes TB. At the time, TB was one of the deadliest diseases, responsible for one in seven deaths in the U.S. and Europe. Since then, significant advancements in research and healthcare have deepened our understanding of the disease, paving the way for better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
How to Support World TB Day
- Attend or organise events – Participate in local or virtual seminars, webinars, or awareness campaigns organised by health organisations. Alternatively, you can host your own TB awareness event at your school, workplace, or within your community.
- Raise awareness on social media – Share facts, statistics and personal stories about TB on social media using hashtags like #WorldTBDay.
- Educate your community – Educate your community about TB prevention, symptoms, and treatment through posters, flyers, or online content.
- Support TB patients and advocacy groups – Donate to organisations who are working to combat TB, or volunteer with healthcare groups.
Get tested and encourage others to do the same – If you or anyone you know are experiencing symptoms, get tested for TB and encourage others to do the same.
The Importance of Clinical Trials for World TB Day
Clinical trials are essential in advancing tuberculosis care, driving the development of more effective diagnostics, treatments, and prevention strategies. They provide essential data on the safety and efficacy of new interventions, ultimately improving patient outcomes, enhancing quality of life, and helping to curb the spread of the disease.
Through research, clinical trials ensure that new therapies meet the highest medical standards, leading to faster and more accessible options. Before a new TB treatment can be widely adopted, it must be proven safe, effective, and suitable for diverse populations, including children and individuals with other health conditions, such as HIV. Clinical trials help determine the optimal dosage, potential side effects, and long-term impact of new therapies, ensuring they deliver the best possible results.
Currently, the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is the only available vaccine against TB. Developed over 100 years ago, it offers protection against severe TB in young children but has limited effectiveness against pulmonary TB, particularly in adults. This highlights the urgent need for new and improved vaccines. Clinical trials play a crucial role in developing and testing next-generation TB vaccines, ensuring they provide stronger, longer-lasting protection – especially for high-risk populations.
Clinical Trials at Simbec Orion
At Simbec-Orion, we deliver comprehensive clinical trial management services across multiple therapeutic areas and phases (including Phase I, Phase II and Phase III). Our specialised, flexible approach has made us a trusted partner for all our clients.
With nearly 50 years of expertise in CRO services, we collaborate with global clients to efficiently manage clinical trials, integrating as an extension of their teams. To learn more about how we can support your clinical development needs, get in touch with us through our contact form.