University of Porto researchers lead study on new tuberculosis therapies

Researchers from the University of Porto, including members from i3S, ICBAS, REQUIMTE, and the Faculty of Pharmacy, have led an international review examining promising new therapeutic strategies to combat tuberculosis and other mycobacterial infections. Published in Medicinal Research Reviews, the study involved 24 authors from 13 countries.

The research addresses the global health challenge of rising multi-drug resistant tuberculosis. The review analyzes several emerging approaches, including small molecules designed to bypass existing drug resistance mechanisms, natural products, and phytochemicals with antimicrobial potential.

Additionally, the study explores unconventional strategies such as antimicrobial peptides, the use of bacteriophages, and host-directed therapies, which aim to modulate the body's immune response to the infection.