WASHINGTON (Lord Media): Scientists have developed a new experimental nasal vaccine against tuberculosis (TB), with promising results from initial animal trials published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Experts note that in 2024, TB became the leading cause of death from a single pathogen worldwide, surpassing the coronavirus. Current antibiotic treatments are generally effective but can be long and complex, making it difficult for patients to complete them, increasing the risk of incomplete treatment and disease resurgence.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is strongly supporting the development of new vaccines against TB to enhance current treatments and reduce treatment duration. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed an experimental DNA nasal vaccine combining two genes, relMtb and Mip3α.
According to Dr. Styliani Karanika, the lead author from Johns Hopkins University, the relMtb gene in TB bacteria produces a protein that helps the bacteria survive under tough conditions. The new vaccine aims to target this protective system to enhance the body’s immune response against the bacteria.
Experts suggest that if similar results are observed in upcoming human trials, this vaccine could represent a significant advancement in the treatment and prevention of TB in the future.
