title: Elucidating the role of clofazimine for the treatment of tuberculosis.
abstract: Clofazimine (CFZ), a riminophenazine and a key component of the treatment regimen for lepromatous leprosy, has been rehabilitated clinically for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Observational studies and a randomized control trial suggest efficacy in the treatment of MDR-TB and the potential for treatment shortening. Animal and translational research have shown mixed results. In this article, we review key clinical, animal, and translational data to better understand the potential role of CFZ in the treatment of MDR-TB and in shortening anti-tuberculosis treatment.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA; CAPRISA MRC-HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Durban, South Africa.
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: O'Donnell
authors.affiliation: CAPRISA MRC-HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Durban, South Africa.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Padayatchi
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.
authors.forename: J Z
authors.initials: JZ
authors.lastname: Metcalfe
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002991:Clofazimine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D024901:Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; D006801:Humans; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000187:drug effects; D064887:Observational Studies as Topic; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D018088:Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000995:Antitubercular Agents; D002991:Clofazimine