The WHO has drafted an ambitious goal of eradicating TB by 2030 and I want to part to be part of research agenda that achieves this. Isango Lethemba TB Research Unit (subdivision of Clinical HIV Research Unit (CHRU), division of WHC) under my leadership is dedicated to improving the diagnosis and treatment outcomes for TB both drug sensitive and drug resistant through clinical research and translation of research findings in national and international policy.
Rifampicin Resistant TB (RR TB), in all of its forms from rifampicin mono-resistant TB to Extensively Drug Resistant TB (XDR TB) is one of barriers to achieving the goal of eradication. There have been several breakthroughs in the treatment of these difficult to treat forms of TB. I have been involved some of the advances in this area including being involved the bedaquiline trial and the subsequent incorporation of this drug into our National Program. I was the principal investigator for the TB Alliance trial NiX that led to the registration by the FDA of BPaL for XDR TB. I am also the holder of USAID Grant BEAT Tuberculosis investigation a short all oral regimen for RR TB and the operational research that introduces the BPaL into the South African National TB Program. Clinical Access Programs (CAPs) in South Africa have allowed access of new drugs and regimens prior to their registration and incorporation into national policy within the South African National TB Program (NTP). I am a co-chair of the National Clinical Advisory Committee (NCAC) since 2012. This body was formed originally to provide clinical governance to BCAP site clinicians, as well as to provide expert clinical advice to the National Drug-Resistant TB directorate. This committee has provided input into the National RR-TB guidelines and has advised on the addition of new drugs into the treatment guidelines.
I have served on the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of the Witwatersrand for over a decade and has extensive knowledge and understanding of ethical and regulatory requirements and procedures applicable to clinical research. I have drafted the Ethics Advisory Group Standard Operating Procedures for the Union Against TB and Lung Disease in 2019.
I have been the Principal Investigator of over 20 clinical trials; the last 12 being TB clinical trials. These have included grant funded, some investigator initiated, and pharmaceutical trials.
I have Worked as a clinical trial specialist for the International Union Against TB and Lung Disease and assisted with site development in Uganda and Ethiopia for STREAM-1 and STREAM-2.
