The need for new drugs against tuberculosis - Obstacles, opportunities, and next steps

It has been nearly 30 years since the introduction of a novel compound for the treatment of tuberculosis, Despite many calls for the development of new antituberculosis drugs during the past two decades, the pharmaceutical industry has, with few exceptions, indicated little interest in undertaking work in this area. This lack of interest is due in large part to two key perceptions: that currently available drugs are adequate for the control of tuberculosis and that sufficient profit could not be realized to justify the expense of bringing a new tuberculosis drug to market. This article will argue that new drugs are badly needed and that new opportunities for real progress exist. Private-public sector partnerships, a new approach that is being tried, may overcome existing financial impediments and lead to the development of major new drugs in the coming decade.