TB vaccine development takes a step forward

Global efforts to step up the fight against TB have been boosted by news that clinical trials of six new probable vaccines have been fast-tracked to produce results by 2015.

The vaccines will first be tested in the developed world before trials are carried out in countries including India, Kenya and Uganda, the Hindu reported.

Two of the six vaccines are currently undergoing clinical trials, the Mail and Guardian reported, with the other four set to start next year.

Dr Jerald C Sadoff, president of research organisation Aeras, told the Hindu: "The six new vaccine candidates are the most advanced candidates in the world and we have set a 2014-2015 timeframe for introduction of a new vaccine for use."

"The aim is to produce a safe, effective and affordable vaccine," he added.

TB is currently protected against using the BCG vaccine, though earlier this year the World Health Organization revealed that the disease is now the second biggest viral killer worldwide behind HIV/AIDS.

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