New TB vaccine slated for trials in 2006

BERLIN, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- A new tuberculosis vaccine, scheduled for human trials in 2006, might be more effective then the vaccine currently in use, German researchers said.

The new vaccine induces cell death in infected host cells, which results in stronger protection against pulmonary tuberculosis in preclinical studies, Max-Planck Institute researchers said.

The new vaccine also protects against clinical strains that are frequently multi-drug-resistant and more aggressive, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigations.

The vaccine has been licensed to the Berlin-based Vakzine Projekt Management, which will test the vaccine in clinical trials in early 2006.