What:
Teleconference to provide overview on launch of broad discovery portfolio to improve the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). The program significantly enhances the TB drug pipeline by adding several novel classes of compounds that use new mechanisms of action. Briefings from the TB Alliance on status of TB drug pipeline and discussion with GlaxoSmithKline, patient and public health groups. A Q&A session for journalists follows.
Who:
How:
US dial in +1-800-223-9488
International dial in +1-785-832-1523
When:
Wednesday, March 23, 2005, 10:30 AM EST
Why:
WHO estimates that 2 million people die from TB every year. The worsening TB crisis demands a new treatment paradigm based on novel drugs. This shift will only be possible with a robust and dynamic drug pipeline. The compounds from this discovery program may attack the bacillus in new ways, overcoming resistant strains and speeding time to cure.
The TB Alliance's objective is to develop an entirely new therapeutic regimen that will shorten and simplify treatment. A shorter TB regimen will improve patient compliance, increase cure rates and lower toxic side effects. A novel two-month TB regimen that is compatible with HIV treatment would help improve TB control and help in the fight on AIDS. The TB Alliance works to ensure that drugs are affordable, adopted by health practitioners and are accessible to patients who need them most.
Today's TB treatment reaches less than half of TB patients and is difficult to compl
'"/>
Contact: Brenda Timm
brenda.timm@edelman.com
212-704-4593
Edelman Public Relations
21-Mar-2005