April 16, 2025
The Clinical HIV Research Unit's groundbreaking BEAT Tuberculosis study has led to worldwide changes in World Health Organization guidelines for drug-resistant tuberculosis treatment!
Our six-year clinical trial in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal evaluated the novel BDLLfxC regimen - an all-oral, 6-month treatment for MDR/RR-TB. WHO now recommends this regimen in its newly released consolidated guidelines.
What makes this particularly significant is that this regimen works for all population groups, including children and pregnant women, who have historically had limited treatment options.
This collaboration between CHRU, the University of the Witwatersrand, the Department of Health, and USAID demonstrates South Africa's leadership in global health innovation in combating a disease that remains a leading cause of death in South Africa.
The new WHO guidelines released on 15 April 2025 are available here: https://shorturl.at/uOYKa
About CHRU
The Clinical HIV Research Unit (CHRU) is a division of the Wits Health Consortium. It was established in 2001 and has been focused on the optimisation of treatment for HIV and other diseases in resource-limited settings. CHRU has pioneered clinical research in infectious diseases like HIV, TB, HPV, Hepatitis B/C, and COVID-19. Dedicated scientists at CHRU strive to enhance treatments and improve the lives of affected communities. It has research sites in Gauteng at Helen Joseph and Sizwe Hospitals, in KZN at King DiniZulu Hospital and in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, at the Isango Lethemba TB Research Unit.
For further information or interviews, please contact Turquoise PR:
- Isadora Isaacs +27 83 925 9676 isadora@turquoisepr.co.za
- Michelle K Blumenau +27 83 273 9891 michelle@turquoisepr.co.za