Clinical Research Directory

A Step Forward for Unraveling the Immune Mechanisms and Tools for Tuberculosis Spectrum Management

Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant infectious disease worldwide, with millions of people infected and major impact on mortality and public health. TB-SPECTRUM project will conduct a clinical study to characterize better clinically, microbiologically, and immunologically the spectrum of TB across the different stages of infection, including incipient and asymptomatic/subclinical TB, active disease, and post treatment phases. Passive and active case-finding (ACF) clinical approaches will be implemented, recruiting TB patients through public and private healthcare facilities and targeted community outreach, as well as their close contacts. This approach will allow the study of biomarker profiles associated with infection risk, disease progression and response to treatment. The specific objectives of the study will be: * To unravel immune mechanisms underlying the TB spectrum through a multidisciplinary approach. * To perform a clinical study (passive and ACF) for recruiting patients and their contacts for the enrolment of incipient/subclinical TB forms and the subsequent immune characterization and management. * To characterize host systemic and local immune responses on different TB immune states (with special focus on incipient, subclinical and cured TB) to better understand host-pathogen interactions and the established cellular/humoral immune mechanisms. * To stratify host immunity according to patient's clinical strain characterization and disease severity. * To develop and evaluate innovative tools for better management of all phases of the TB spectrum.

ThiPhiSA: New Pathways to Prevention From Community TB Screening in South Africa

This study will compare community-delivered, multi-month dispensing of tuberculosis preventive therapy (TPT) to standard-of-care clinic-based TPT delivery in a population of South African adults who are recommended to receive TB preventive therapy. We hypothesize that persons receiving multi-month dispensing of TPT in the community will have a higher rate of TPT completion at 3 months than persons receiving TPT via standard of care with monthly clinic-based refills.

Training Protocol on the Natural History of Tuberculosis

Background: \- Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that affects numerous people worldwide. Researchers are interested in actively recruiting individuals with TB for research and treatment studies. Objectives: \- To collect blood and other samples to study the natural history of tuberculosis. Eligibility: \- Individuals 2 years of age and older who have either active or latent tuberculosis. Design: * Latent TB patients: Participants will have a single study visit with a physical examination and medical history, and will provide blood samples for testing. * Active TB patients: Participants will have an initial visit with a physical examination and medical history, and will provide blood samples for testing. Participants will also provide sputum samples if required, and may have an optional skin punch biopsy to collect a sample of skin tissue for study. * Treatment for active TB will be provided as part of this protocol. * Active TB participants may be asked to return for study visits every 1-2 months while receiving treatment.

Shortened Regimen for Drug-susceptible TB in Children

While drug-susceptible tuberculosis (TB) disease in children currently requires four to six months of treatment, most children may be able to be cured with a shorter treatment of more powerful drugs. Shorter treatment may be easier for children to tolerate and finish as well as ease caregiver strain from managing treatment side effects and supporting children over many months. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate if a 2-month regimen (including isoniazid (H), rifapentine (P), pyrazinamide (Z) and moxifloxacin (M)) is as safe and effective as a 4- to 6-month regimen (isoniazid, rifampicin (R), pyrazinamide, ethambutol (E)) in curing drug-susceptible TB disease in children under 10 years old. The study is also evaluating the safety of the HPZM in children with and without HIV.

Targeted Universal TB Testing With Simultaneous TPT Prescribing Among People Living With HIV in South Africa

Background: In 2023, the South African Department of Health introduced targeted universal TB testing (TUTT) at antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation (irrespective of the presence of TB symptoms). Guidelines regarding TPT initiation in the setting of TUTT are conflicting - recommending either (1) delaying TPT initiation for all patients until a negative TB test result is returned or (2) delaying TPT only for those patients with a positive TB symptom screen. The new TUTT approach along with ambiguity in the timing of TPT initiation has the potential to substantially reduce timely TPT initiation - missing the period of highest TB risk. In modelling approaches for TB screening and TPT delivery, the investigators found that waiting for a sputum result could decrease TPT prescribing from the current level to approximately 17-31%. A novel alternative is to provide TPT at the time of TB testing to all patients initiating or re-initiating ART (TUTT-PT). Those who test positive for TB (5-8% of patients) would be promptly contacted and switched to anti-TB treatment. The investigators model suggests that this strategy could ensure that almost 90% of patients receive TPT and are tested for TB simultaneously. The viability of such an approach depends on demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of TPT for all vs the standard of care. Guiding the optimal implementation strategy for TPT delivery - balancing high-levels of TPT prescribing with rapid diagnosis and treatment initiation for active TB disease - is essential to ensure the continued success of South Africa's TPT program. The investigators are conducting a one-year study built onto Fedisa PreventTB to compare the proposed novel approach of universal TPT to the standard approaches to inform further TPT policy and optimize the effectiveness of the Fedisa PreventTB behavioral economics approach in light of the new TB testing approach. The overall aim is to pilot test the effectiveness and safety of targeted universal TB testing with simultaneous TPT (TUTT-PT) to increase TPT initiation among PLHIV initiating (or re-initiating) ART and to characterize clinic level implementation determinants among health care workers.

Candidate Clinical Correlate of Prognostic Outcome for TB Study

As part of the ongoing efforts within the Rapid Research in Diagnostics Development for TB Network (R2D2 TB Network) study, the Candidate Clinical Correlate as Prognostic Outcome for TB (C3PO) study serves as a supplement aimed at evaluating predictors and novel biomarkers of recurrent TB among TB survivors. Current tools for predicting TB recurrence risk are suboptimal, limiting the ability to assess new TB treatment regimens effectively. Identifying accurate sputum- or blood-based biomarkers for recurrence risk could significantly improve the efficiency and informativeness of Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials.

A Novel Therapy With a 1-Month Ultrashort Regimen to Halt Progression From Latent Infection to Active Tuberculosis Among Close Contacts (The TB-YOUTH Study)

This is a prospective, multi-center, open-label, cluster randomized controlled clinical trial conducted in school settings to estimate the non-inferiority effect of 1H3P3 compared with 3HR.

Clofazimine- and Rifapentine-Containing Treatment Shortening Regimens in Drug-Susceptible Tuberculosis: The CLO-FAST Study

The purpose of this study was to compare a 3-month rifapentine (RPT)/clofazimine (CFZ)-containing regimen with a CFZ loading dose with the 6-month standard of care (SOC) regimen for drug-susceptible (DS) tuberculosis (TB).

Testing Health Workers At Risk to Advance Our Understanding of TB Infection

It has been estimated that 1.7 billion people have tuberculosis (TB) infection; yet current tests are unable to predict which people are at highest risk of developing TB disease, which can be life-threatening. THWART-TB is a prospective longitudinal cohort study of health workers (HWs) in Cape Town, South Africa, where our preliminary data reveals HWs have a high annual TB infection risk (34%). This cohort, who will undergo frequent serial evaluation (every 3 months) with a combination of novel assays never previously evaluated together, presents a unique opportunity to evaluate immune responses at the time of initial infection and to characterize the dynamic profile of these immune responses over time in a high-risk population. The knowledge generated will improve our understanding of TB infection and help to identify which people exposed to TB may remain at risk, enabling us to better target preventive strategies.

TBTC Study 26 PK: Rifapentine Pharmacokinetics in Children During Treatment of Latent TB Infection

Compared to adults, children appear to require higher weight-based doses of rifapentine to acheive comparable drug levels. TBTC Study 26, a study of the effectiveness and tolerability of weekly rifapentine/isoniazid for three months versus daily isoniazid for nine months for the treatment of latent tuberculosis infection, has been amended to include children ages 2-11 based on an initial single-dose study and pharmacokinetic modeling. Study 26PK evaluates the adequacy of the doses chosen for young children enrolled in Study 26 with a single blood draw, 24 hours after the third or subsequent weekly Study 26 dose of rifapentine and isoniazid. An adult control is enrolled for each child enrolled.

Shaping a Community-based Pathway to Improve TB Surveillance Among African and Hindustan Immigrants Experiencing Vulnerabilities

This two-phase, mixed-methods approach project aims to develop a community-based, participatory, and co-created TB/TB infection (TBI) screening care pathway for African and Hindustan immigrants, who often face socioeconomic vulnerabilities and barriers to healthcare access, including TB/TBI screening. The first phase involves the co-design of a TB/TBI screening care pathway through four thematic workshops using the Double-Diamond theoretical framework. These workshops will engage key stakeholders, including immigrants, community leaders, healthcare professionals, and academics, to identify barriers, define needs, and develop actionable measures to improve TB/TBI screening care. The second phase involves a community-based study to implement the care pathway and estimate the incidence of TB and TBI among 200 immigrants from Angola, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Participants will be recruited through Grupcommunity services, and data will be collected on demographic, socioeconomic, health, and migration-related factors. The screening pathway will be implemented and evaluated, with patient-related outcomes measured to assess its effectiveness. The primary outcomes include the development of a culturally sensitive TB/TBI screening care pathway and the estimation of TB and TBI incidence among high-risk immigrant populations. Secondary outcomes include the profiling of immigrant populations, the identification of social vulnerabilities, and the establishment of eligibility criteria for TB/TBI screening in similar populations. We expected to advance knowledge on the specific needs of vulnerable immigrants regarding TB/TBI screening and care and to empower communities, improve access to healthcare, and inform policymakers on tailored prevention and control strategies. The findings will contribute to the global effort to eliminate TB by addressing the unique challenges faced by immigrant populations in low-incidence countries like Portugal.

Detection of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in Blood of TB Patients and Their Contacts in Uganda

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a major human pathogen, responsible for an estimated 10.6 million cases of active tuberculosis (TB) and 1.6 million deaths in 2021. Most adult cases of active TB arise from progression of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), whose global prevalence is estimated at 23%. Preventive therapy (e.g. a 6-month course of the anti-TB drug isoniazid) is effective in reducing risk of progression from LTBI to active TB. Global roll-out of preventive therapy will be required to achieve the World Health Organization target of TB elimination by 2050, but this will only be cost-effective and implementable if targeted at the 10-20% of latently infected individuals who are at highest risk of disease progression. There is currently no gold standard test for LTBI. Existing diagnostic - the tuberculin skin test (TST) and Interferon-γ Release Assays (IGRA) - diagnose Mtb infection by detecting memory T cell responses to Mtb antigens. Their value is limited by very low positive predictive value (PPV) for progression to active TB (1.5% for TST, 2.7% for IGRA), inability to detect antimicrobial resistance in latently infected individuals and lack of response to administration of preventive therapy. Development of a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) for LTBI could overcome these limitations by allowing targeting of preventive therapy at latently infected individuals with the highest risk of progression to active TB, with antimicrobial selection guided by genetic antimicrobial resistance profiling and capacity for test of cure on treatment completion.

An Evaluation of Traditional Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) and Electronic DOT for TB Treatment

This study is a U.S.-based, 1 site (with 4 clinical settings), randomized controlled trial (with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Antibiotic Resistance Solutions Initiative) that will be implemented to evaluate traditional directly observed therapy (DOT) and electronic forms of DOT (eDOT) for tuberculosis (TB) treatment. The trial will assess whether eDOT that employs electronic communication methods, such as video via computer or cellphone, is a non-inferior approach to monitor TB treatment adherence, compared to traditional in-person DOT (ipDOT), in which a trained person is in the physical presence of patients as anti-TB drugs are ingested. ipDOT is the single best intervention proven to be successful when it comes to TB patients' adherence to therapy (which reduces risk of acquired drug resistance). However, ipDOT is resource intensive and many times challenging to facilitate in-person. If eDOT is found to be non-inferior to ipDOT, health departments and other clinicians might be able to provide eDOT to certain populations of TB patients in a more flexible and potentially cost-saving manner.

Tuberculosis Clinical Registry in Europe

The TBnet registry is a multinational, prospective tuberculosis registry established by the Tuberculosis Network European Trialsgroup (TBnet e.V.) to collect and analyze long-term data from TB patients across Europe. Its purpose is to centralize data on TB epidemiology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to improve care, support research, and ultimately help eliminate TB. The registry captures risk factors, diagnostic details (e.g., microbiology, imaging, drug resistance), treatment data, side effects, outcomes, and late complications.

PREVAIL VIIIa: Evaluation of Latent Tuberculosis Infection Screening Methods in People Living With Retroviral Infection in Liberia

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a health threat for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). People living with HIV are more likely than others to develop active TB. Also, TB makes HIV progress faster. TB is a leading cause of death among people in the West African country of Liberia. Researchers want to find an effective testing method for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) to help people living with HIV in Liberia. Objective: To compare the interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) and tuberculin skin test (TST) as LTBI screening tests in people living with HIV in Liberia. Eligibility: People ages 18 and older who take part in NIH study #19-I-N014 and are scheduled to have or have had IGRA at a Month 12 HONOR study visit. Design: Participants will be screened with a medical history and physical exam. Their medical records and HONOR study records will be reviewed. Participants will have TST. Purified protein derivative will be placed in the skin of their forearm. They will be observed for adverse reactions for 15 minutes. Between 48 and 72 hours after placement, they will have a second study visit to have the TST read. If they miss this time frame, they can return up to 7 days after placement. If they have a positive test result, they will have a chest x-ray. They will have a third study visit to review the results of the chest x-ray. They will be referred for clinical care if needed. They will take a pregnancy test if needed. Participation will last from 2 days to 6 weeks.

Rifapentine-Based Shorter Regimens for Tuberculosis and TB Infection in Kazakhstan

RIFA-REAL is a prospective observational longitudinal study evaluating the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of rifapentine-based shorter treatment regimens for drug-susceptible tuberculosis (DS-TB) and tuberculosis infection (TBI) under routine programmatic conditions in Kazakhstan. The study enrolls three cohorts: patients with DS-TB receiving the 4-month isoniazid-rifapentine-moxifloxacin-pyrazinamide regimen (2HPMZ/2HPM), patients with DS-TB receiving the standard 6-month isoniazid-rifampicin-pyrazinamide-ethambutol regimen (2HRZE/4HR), and individuals with TBI receiving the 1-month rifapentine-isoniazid regimen (1HP). Participants include people living with and without HIV. The study is conducted across four regions of Kazakhstan and is funded through the Western-Eastern European Partnership Initiative on HIV, Viral Hepatitis and TB (WEEPI) grant. Findings will inform national TB policy and contribute to global evidence on programmatic implementation of rifapentine-based regimens.

Antigen-specific Cytotoxic T Cells in the Treatment of Opportunistic Infections

Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) or Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection results in significant morbidity and mortality in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients. HSCT patients often face opportunistic infections due to the immunosuppressive state during transplantation. Antimicrobial drugs are usually used for prophylactic purposes and for treatment after early detectable infections. Unfortunately, some patients develop resistance to such drug treatment. In addition to HSCT patient, immune compromised patient may also be victim to opportunistic infections. Many infections can be effectively managed by functional immune recovery. In this study, the safety and efficacy of microbial-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) will be investigated.

Early Bactericidal Activity, Safety & Tolerability of Oral GSK3036656 in a Dual Combination With Novel and Established Antitubercular Agents, or Standard of Care in Adults With Rifampicin Susceptible Pulmonary Tuberculosis

This study measured the early bactericidal activity (EBA), safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of GSK3036656 in combination with either delamanid, bedaquiline or BTZ-043 and delamanid in combination with bedaquiline or standard of care, for 14 days, in participants with newly diagnosed sputum smear positive drug-sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis. Participants reverted to the standard treatment (RIFAFOUR e-275) once the study treatment (Day 1 to Day 14) was completed.

A Phase I Study of Lipovaxin Tuberculosis Vaccine in Adult Healthy Populations

A Phase I, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo Controlled Trial to Evaluate Safety and Immunogenicity of Lipovaxin Tuberculosis Vaccine (Bio Farma) in Healthy Populations Aged 18-40 Years in Indonesia

Alcohol Reduction Among People With TB and HIV in India

The highest incidence of tuberculosis disease (TB) in the world is in India, accounting for 27% of all new cases globally, with approximately 86,000 among persons with HIV (PWH). Unhealthy alcohol use can worsen the health of people who have Tuberculosis (TB), HIV and people who have both TB and HIV. Behavioral interventions that 1) target alcohol use and 2) are integrated into TB and TB/HIV and HIV care may lead to better outcomes. The goal of this study is to test if a behavioral alcohol reduction intervention integrated into TB, TB/HIV and HIV treatment can reduce alcohol use and improve TB and HIV health outcomes among people with unhealthy alcohol use. The aims of the HATHI study are: Aim 1: To test if a 4 session behavioral alcohol reduction intervention, called HATHI, integrated into TB and TB/HIV and HIV Care can decrease unhealthy alcohol use among persons with TB and TB/HIV coinfection and HIV. Aim 2: To test if the HATHI intervention, integrated into TB and TB/HIV and HIV care can improve TB and HIV clinical outcomes; Aim 3: To evaluate barriers and facilitators to integrating HATHI intervention into TB and TB/HIV and HIV care, and to determine the incremental costs of delivering HATHI intervention in TB and HIV clinical settings. Investigators hypothesize that HATHI intervention will reduce alcohol use among persons with TB and TB with HIV and HIV, and that its delivery in the TB and HIV setting will be acceptable to patients and providers and feasible.

Prospective Cohort of People Starting Treatment for Tuberculosis Disease in France (FrenchTB)

The French Tuberculosis Cohort is a prospective, national, multicenter, low-intervention study including subjects aged 18 years and older with tuberculosis disease for which inpatient treatment is initiated. The goal of this observational study is to follow-up and anti-tuberculosis treatment will be provided according to current French recommendations. Participants will provide sociodemographic, clinical, biological, radiological and bacteriological data at various protocol visits at 2 days, 1 and 2 weeks, 2 months, at the end of treatment, 12 and 24 months. Consenting participants will have samples collected at scheduled visits for the establishment of a biobank. This will include blood, urine, breath and hair samples. The positive mycobacterial strains will constitute a specimen bank.

A Study of Daily Rifapentine Combined With Isoniazid (1HP) for Tuberculosis Prevention in Children Less Than 13 Years of Age With and Without HIV

This study aims to find the proposed dose of Rifapentine (RPT) taken once daily with Isoniazid (INH) for 28 days to prevent tuberculosis (TB). The study will take place at multiple locations and children under 13 years old will be divided into two groups: one group will include children without HIV, and the other group will include children with HIV who are on antiretroviral treatment. Up to 144 children will participate, and participants in each group will be followed for 24 weeks.

Doxycycline Host-directed Therapy to Improve Lung Function and Decrease Tissue Destruction in Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global pandemic that despite successful treatment and bacterial eradication can cause chronic ill health, such as pulmonary impairment after tuberculosis (PIAT) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). A recent Phase 2b double-blind randomised-controlled clinical trial shows that adjunctive doxycycline therapy is safe, accelerates resolution of inflammation, suppresses tissue damaging enzyme activity and decreases pulmonary cavity volume (1). We aim to determine if adjunctive doxycycline can reduce PIAT and improve cardiovascular outcomes in a fully powered Phase III trial of 8 weeks of adjunctive doxycycline alongside standard pulmonary TB (PTB) treatment. The investigators hypothesize that doxycycline inhibits tissue destruction in patients with PTB and thereby leads to improved lung function after treatment. Specific aims 1. To assess improvement in lung function as measured by forced expiratory volume (FEV1) predicted in PTB patients given doxycycline versus placebo. 2. To investigate whether doxycycline will hasten the resolution of pulmonary cavities measured by CT thorax 3. To investigate whether doxycycline can suppress inflammatory markers including matrix metalloproteinases 4. To investigate whether doxycycline can accelerate time to sputum conversion 5. To evaluate the effect of doxycycline on cardiovascular outcomes such as the incidence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and pulmonary hypertension 6. To investigate whether doxycycline improves TB drug concentrations in sputum and plasma. 7. To assess the safety profile of doxycycline with concurrent standard anti-tuberculous treatment.

STeroids and Enhanced Spectrum Antibiotics for the Treatment of Patients in Africa With Refractory Sepsis

Sepsis, a life-threatening condition due to a dysregulated response to infection, is the leading cause of global mortality and is frequently driven by tuberculosis (TB) and drug-resistant bacteria in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among people living with HIV. The prevailing standard of care in the region, ceftriaxone alone, is insufficient as it does not address TB, drug-resistant bacteria, or adrenal insufficiency, which is common in HIV-related sepsis. Therefore, the investigators propose a randomized 2x2 factorial clinical trial to compare 28-day survival from sepsis between study participants who along with a standard of care that includes immediate conventional anti-TB treatment receive 1) hydrocortisone to treat septic shock and 2) rifampin, isoniazid, levofloxacin and linezolid to treat TB and other drug-resistant bacteria in order to deliver important and scalable knowledge that may alter the standard of care for sepsis in HIV endemic settings of sub-Saharan Africa. Improving understanding of the physiology and treatment alternatives for HIV related critical illness globally will have reciprocal benefit for health in the U.S.