The NC-001 trial also validated the approach to development of novel regimens. Dr Mario Raviglione, director of the Stop TB Department at the World Health Organization, said testing multiple new TB drug candidates simultaneously has already proven to be a major advance.

"Because of testing drugs in combination, we have already saved several years in the research process to find new, effective regimens to treat TB," Raviglione said. "The results look strongly promising from this early trial. If further testing holds up these results and the regimen is affordable in poor countries, it is huge progress. We could shorten drug regimens substantially for everyone, regardless of whether the form of TB is sensitive or multi-drug resistant. That would be a dramatic step forward."