Netupitant Exhibits Potent Activity on <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> Persisters.

ABSTRACT: In Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), persisters are genotypically drug-sensitive bacteria that nonetheless survive antibiotic treatment. Persisters contribute to prolonged TB treatment duration and relapse risk, highlighting the need for new therapeutic strategies to effectively eliminate these tolerant subpopulations. In this study, we screened 2,336 FDA-approved compounds to identify agents that enhance the sterilizing activity of standard anti-TB drugs and prevent the regrowth of persisters. Netupitant (NTP), an FDA-approved antiemetic, emerged as a promising candidate. In combination with isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF), NTP eliminated viable Mtb cells, achieving a >6-log reduction in colony-forming units (CFUs), compared to the 2.5-log reduction observed with INH-RIF alone

SUBMITTER: Eldesouky HE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12697755 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature