Meeting

Forum on Drug Discovery, Development, and Translation: The Growing Threat of Drug Resistant TB

When:

February 23, 2009 (12:00 PM)

Topics:

Biomedical and Health Research, Public Health

Activity:

Forum on Drug Discovery, Development, and Translation

Board:

Board on Health Sciences Policy

Tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of death in the world today, 4500 people die every day from the disease. Although many cases of TB can be cured by available antibiotics, multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is a major and growing threat worldwide. Strains of TB (XDR-TB) resistant to even the second line therapies are documented in over 50 countries, including the U.S., and we are seeing the emergence of strains that are totally resistant to treatment. We are losing the global battle against TB because of severe problems in the supply of drugs, the lab capacity needed to diagnose TB, and the lack of adequate health systems for delivering treatment to patients. The failures of the system are themselves adding to the problem—when treatment is inadequate or interrupted, drug resistance accelerates. More of the same approach is unlikely to stem this tide—new strategies, resources, and commitment are required. Led by Paul Farmer, of Partners in Health, this session will provide an opportunity for Congressional staff and the policy community to learn from international experts what is known and not known about this growing threat, to discuss possible solutions, and to hear about the prospects for legislative action from members of Congress