DNA test could revolutionize treatment for Drug-Resistant TB
NCT ID NCT05553236
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a DNA sequencing test can help doctors choose the right antibiotics for people with drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB). Researchers will collect samples from 2,500 participants in clinics and use targeted sequencing to identify which drugs the TB bacteria are resistant to. The goal is to reduce time on ineffective drugs and improve cure rates.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- targeted next-generation sequencing (diagnostic test)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this approach could help doctors choose the most effective drugs for drug-resistant TB sooner, improving cure rates and reducing ineffective treatment.
- What could go wrong
- This is a diagnostic strategy, not a new drug, so its impact depends on how well it integrates into real-world clinics. The trial is still recruiting, and results may vary by setting.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 2,500 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Aug 2024
- Expected to finish
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Jan 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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Children (under 18), adults (18 to 64) and older adults (65 and over)
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Active RR-TB diagnosed at a study facility during the study period 2. Positive Mtb culture, smear, or specimen derivative (e.g., GenoLyse remnant, Xpert cartridge extract) Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patient expects to relocate/move residence outside of the study region 2. Patient does not agree to participate in the study In addition, participants later found to have isolates with rifamycin susceptibility on at least two additional tests (e.g., phenotypic DST, LPA, or sequencing) will be considered late exclusions.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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South African National Health Laboratory Service
RECRUITINGCape Town, South Africa
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