Could a common antibiotic slash deaths from brain TB?

NCT ID NCT06446245

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests whether adding the antibiotic doxycycline to standard treatment can reduce deaths and severe brain damage in adults with tuberculosis of the brain or its lining. About 200 participants will receive either doxycycline or a placebo for 8 weeks, alongside usual TB drugs and steroids. The study builds on earlier work showing doxycycline may calm harmful inflammation in TB.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

doxycycline

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a cheap, widely available add-on treatment to lower the high death and disability rates from brain tuberculosis.

What could go wrong

This is a mid-stage trial with only 200 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Doxycycline can cause side effects like sun sensitivity and stomach upset.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

central nervous system tuberculosis meningeal tuberculosis meningitis meningoencephalitis tuberculosis Tuberculosis, Central Nervous System tuberculous encephalopathy

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Adam Malik Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Medan, Medan, Indonesia

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Murni Teguh Memorial Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Medan, Indonesia

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • National University Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Singapore

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Sarawak General Hospital

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • Tan Tock Seng Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Singapore, Singapore

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Universitas Sumatera Utara

    RECRUITING

    Medan, Medan, Indonesia

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••