Sharpening nature's tools for efficient tuberculosis control: A review of the potential role and development of host-directed therapies and strategies for targeted respiratory delivery.
Centuries since it was first described, tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global public health issue. Despite ongoing holistic measures implemented by health authorities and a number of new oral treatments reaching the market, there is still a need for an advanced, efficient TB treatment. An adjunctive, host-directed therapy designed to enhance endogenous pathways and hence compliment current regimens could be the answer. The integration of drug repurposing, including synthetic and naturally occurring compounds, with a targeted drug delivery platform is an attractive development option. In order for a new anti-tubercular treatment to be produced in a timely manner, a multidisciplinary approach should be taken from the outset including stakeholders from academia, the pharmaceutical industry, and regulatory bodies keeping the patient as the key focus. Pre-clinical considerations for the development of a targeted host-directed therapy are discussed here.
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This article is also available at http://ac.els-cdn.com/S0169409X1630134X/1-s2.0-S0169409X1630134X-main.pdf?_tid=95431526-63a5-11e6-8230-00000aab0f01&acdnat=1471347530_b8588213a8af6b0071b4ce549cc93c83Published Citation
O'Connor G, Gleeson LE, Fagan-Murphy A, Cryan SA, O'Sullivan MP, Keane J. Sharpening nature's tools for efficient tuberculosis control: A review of the potential role and development of host-directed therapies and strategies for targeted respiratory delivery. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews. 2016;102:33-54.Publication Date
2016-07-01External DOI
PubMed ID
27151307Department/Unit
- CURAM Centre for Research in Medical Devices
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences