Study Shows FDA-Approved TB Regimen May Not Work Against the Deadliest Form of TB Due to Multidrug-Resistant Strains

In a recent study, Johns Hopkins researchers found that a 2019 FDA-approved antibiotic regimen for multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains of pulmonary TB may not work in cases of TB meningitis. Results showed that while the (BPaL) regimen may work well for MDR TB strains in the lungs, it may be less effective than a standard TB regimen in cases of TB meningitis. According to the study, this is likely due to restricted penetration of bedaquiline and linezolid into the brain to help treat these infections.

Sanjay Jain, MBBS, MD, Director of Johns Hopkins Medicine Center for Infection and Inflammation Imaging Research

Johns Hopkins Medicine Newsroom
January 27, 2023