New tuberculosis drug could help eradicate global killer

A groundbreaking drug, rifampin, could help to end the global tuberculosis epidemic, according to researchers. Clinical trials carried out at the McGill University Health Centre showed that rifampin is less toxic and is more effective than the standard of care treatment, isoniazid. The results of two trials, conducted across a number of countries, were promising and showed that four months treatment with rifampin was non-inferior to a nine-month regime of isoniazid. Although the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends isoniazid be given for six months, partly due to cost.