biostudies-literatureAlmeida DVHHS | National Institutes of Healthe00259-20https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC7269501biostudies-literatureUnknown64(6)Telacebec (Q203) is a new antitubercular drug with extremely potent activity against Mycobacterium ulcerans Here, we explored the treatment-shortening potential of Q203 alone or in combination with rifampin (RIF) in a mouse footpad infection model. The first study compared Q203 at 5 and 10 mg/kg doses alone and with rifampin. Q203 alone rendered most mouse footpads culture negative in 2 weeks. Combining Q203 with rifampin resulted in a relapse-free cure 24 weeks after completing 2 weeks of treatment, compared to a 25% relapse rate in mice receiving RIF with clarithromycin, the current standard of care, for 4 weeks. The second study explored the dose-ranging activity of Q203 alone and with RIF, including the extended activity of Q203 after treatment discontinuation. The bactericidal activitAntimicrobial agents and chemotherapyTelacebec for Ultrashort Treatment of Buruli Ulcer in a Mouse Model.PMC7269501R01-AI113266Converse PJNuermberger ELOmansen TFAlmeida DVKim JTyagi STasneen RfalseTelacebec for Ultrashort Treatment of Buruli Ulcer in a Mouse Model.Telacebec (Q203) is a new antitubercular drug with extremely potent activity against Mycobacterium ulcerans Here, we explored the treatment-shortening potential of Q203 alone or in combination with rifampin (RIF) in a mouse footpad infection model. The first study compared Q203 at 5 and 10 mg/kg doses alone and with rifampin. Q203 alone rendered most mouse footpads culture negative in 2 weeks. Combining Q203 with rifampin resulted in a relapse-free cure 24 weeks after completing 2 weeks of treatment, compared to a 25% relapse rate in mice receiving RIF with clarithromycin, the current standard of care, for 4 weeks. The second study explored the dose-ranging activity of Q203 alone and with RIF, including the extended activity of Q203 after treatment discontinuation. The bactericidal activit2020-01-01T00:00:00Z2020 May2025-04-05T14:00:08.473Z2025-04-05T14:00:08.473ZS-EPMC72695013220534410.1128/AAC.00259-2010.1128/aac.00259-20