ERA4TB researchers present advances in experimental models to accelerate tuberculosis treatment development

The contributions presented by ERA4TB researchers cover different stages of preclinical tuberculosis drug development, ranging from experimental platforms and molecular biomarkers to translational models for assessing treatment efficacy.

Among them is the presentation by Diana Angélica Aguilar Ayala, “Development and robust implementation of the Hollow Fiber System with a focus on sustainability”, which focuses on the development and robust implementation of the Hollow Fiber System (HFS) and on improving the sustainability of this experimental platform.

In addition, Trisha Parbhoo will present “Harmonization of the EUCAST platform to support regulatory development of anti-TB assets in ERA4TB”, a contribution aimed at supporting the regulatory development of novel tuberculosis treatments through harmonised EUCAST methodologies.

Greta Segafreddo will present “Benchmarking of the novel Granuloma-Like Structure (GLS) model as a translational tool for tuberculosis drug development”, which evaluates the potential of this in vitro model as a translational research tool for the development of new anti-tuberculosis therapies.

The presentation by Juan Calvet Seral, “Implementation of novel molecular biomarkers within ERA4TB: the RS-ratio”, will address the incorporation of new molecular biomarkers to assess treatment response.

The programme also includes a contribution from Claire Jordan Brooks, “Automated PET/CT analysis of pulmonary TB biomarkers in non-human primates”, focusing on the automated analysis of pulmonary tuberculosis biomarkers using imaging techniques in preclinical models.

Finally, Julien Lemaitre will present “Establishment of a marmoset preclinical model for antituberculosis treatment evaluation”, describing the development of a marmoset preclinical model for the evaluation of anti-tuberculosis treatments.

Taken together, these contributions highlight the broad range of approaches integrated within ERA4TB to accelerate the discovery and development of new therapies against tuberculosis. The IHI Forum 2026 will also provide an opportunity to share progress with the international scientific community and strengthen collaboration among academic institutions, research centres and industrial partners committed to addressing this disease.