Way paved for new TB drug

There is a possibility that new drug therapies for combating active and latent TB infections could be developed.

That is the opinion of scientists at the University of Maryland, who have found new information about the structure of the TB bacteria.

Barbara Gerratana, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry at the university's College of Chemical and Life Sciences and research team leader, said that she was hopeful a new treatment could become reality.

"The NAD+ synthetase enzyme that our study describes is absolutely essential for the survival of the tuberculosis bacteria and an important drug target," she stated.

"We can now use the information we have about its structure and mechanism to develop inhibitors for this enzyme. We are optimistic about the potential for developing new drugs that will effectively target this enzyme in TB and minimise side effects to humans."

There is a new case of TB infection every second, the World Health Organisation has claimed.

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