New drug cocktail shows promise against Drug-Resistant TB

NCT ID NCT02333799

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested a combination of three drugs—bedaquiline, pretomanid, and linezolid—in 109 people with extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) or multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) that didn't respond to other treatments. Participants took the drugs for 6 to 9 months. The goal was to see if the combo could clear the infection and prevent it from coming back. Results from this completed phase 3 trial help show whether this shorter, all-oral regimen is a safe and effective option for tough TB cases.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

a combination of three drugs: bedaquiline, pretomanid (PA-824), and linezolid

What this could lead to

If successful, this could provide a shorter, more effective treatment option for people with highly drug-resistant tuberculosis, potentially replacing longer and more toxic regimens.

What could go wrong

This is a completed phase 3 trial with 109 participants, so results are more reliable than earlier studies. However, the combination may still cause side effects like nerve damage or bone marrow suppression from linezolid, and it may not work for all TB strains.

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.

extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis multidrug-resistant tuberculosis pulmonary tuberculosis tuberculosis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • King DinuZulu Hospital Complex

    Sydenham, Durban, 4001, South Africa

  • Sizwe Tropical Disease Hospital

    Sandringham, Johannesburg, 2131, South Africa

  • Task Applied Science - Brooklyn Chest Hospital

    Ysterplaat, Cape Town, 7405, South Africa