Community engagement in tuberculosis research: the EU-Patient-cEntric clinicAl tRial pLatforms (EU-PEARL) experience

Summary: Despite two decades of research, uncertainties in understanding and curing tuberculosis disease continue to hinder progress. However, collaborative efforts between academia, the pharmaceutical industry, and non-profit organizations have resulted in a promising drug candidate pipeline. This review explores the challenges and benefits of standardized regimens versus individualized therapy and highlights the need for markers of disease progression, drug response, and predictors of relapse, as well as in vitro tools and animal models for evaluating new regimens. Additionally, it discusses the importance of prioritizing drug combinations for clinical trials and redesigning trial designs to expedite regimen development.

Summary: Patient engagement in translational preclinical laboratory research is feasible and beneficial, but barriers exist. Most studies engage patients at the education or priority setting stages, with the most frequently reported benefit being providing a mutual learning opportunity.