Tuberculosis remains one of the leading causes of infectious mortality worldwide, particularly due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. Alain Baulard (CIIL, IPL, CNRS UMR9017, INSERM U1019, U-Lille), Nicolas Willand et Benoît Deprez (M2SV, IPL, U-Lille) are seeking to improve current treatments against the tuberculosis bacillus. This is part of a collaborative study with Bioversys SAS et GlaxoSmithKlineResearchers have developed a drug called Alpibectir capable of increasing the efficiency of ethionamide, an antibiotic used against resistant forms of tuberculosis. This new publication, which appeared in the scientific journal Nature Communications., describes the precise molecular mode of action of Alpibectir which, like a computer virus, hacks bacterial mechanisms controlling the sensitivity of the bacillus to ethionamide, while poisoning the bacteria through the overproduction of some of its own proteins.
This study complements a recent publication of the clinical trial conducted in South Africa, showing that the combined use of Alpibectir and ethionamide rapidly eliminates bacteria in patients with tuberculosis.
Alpibectir-Ethionamide combination (AlpE) for the treatment of tuberculosis
Zainab Edoo, Camille Grosse, Thomas Maitre… Nicolas Willand, Michel Pieren & Alain R. Baulard
National Commun. 2026 Apr 7. doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-71460-6.
Lille Infection and Immunity Center (University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, Pasteur Institute of Lille, Lille University Hospital) and Drug Discovery Center (University of Lille – Inserm – Pasteur Institute of Lille)
