The Challenges Of Developing New Tuberculosis Vaccines

The World Health Organization estimates that tuberculosis is causing nearly two million deaths annually, mostly in developing countries. Widespread administration of the current tuberculosis vaccine to newborns is not a reliable route for preventing the disease in adults, the population that drives the epidemic. Several new vaccine candidates are in development, and a few have entered clinical trials. However, the field faces formidable scientific and policy challenges. A collaborative approach to solving scientific, policy, and resource obstacles-as well as new partnerships among emerging economies and vaccine development organizations-will be critical to developing a new tuberculosis vaccine that could achieve its public health potential to save lives and reduce the burden of disease.