India, July 8 -- A newly identified drug candidate, JNJ-6640, has demonstrated a novel mechanism of action against mycobacterium tuberculosis (the bacterium that causes TB), including dormant and drug-resistant forms, marking a significant step forward in TB drug research. By targeting a previously unexploited metabolic pathway essential for bacterial survival, the drug candidate may offer the potential to develop safer, shorter and more effective treatment regimens. Further optimisation and clinical evaluation are needed to assess its suitability for human use.

The findings, published in Nature magazine recently, are the result of a collaborative effort between researchers at Johnson & Johnson and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical...