
SPRINT-TB Theme 1 researchers identified bortezomib (or Velcade®, which is currently approved for treatment of multiple myeloma), as a novel whole-cell active mycobacterial caseinolytic protease (Clp) inhibitor. Clp constitutes a key degradative proteolytic machinery involved in central proteome homeostasis in Mycobacteria. Clp was found to be potently inhibited by bortezomib and its derivatives, followed by mycobacterial growth inhibition. The discovery established Clp as a new validated drug target and bortezomib as an attractive lead compound for the development of new tuberculosis drugs. Bortezomib and its derivatives are currently under further pre-clinical investigation.
A provisional patent application for the repurposed use of bortezomib was filed on February 6, 2015. This invention is a product of collaboration between Eric Rubin’s group at Harvard School of Public Health (USA), the Experimental Therapeutic Center - A*STAR (Singapore) and Thomas Dick’s group at Department of Microbiology, National University of Singapore (Singapore).
A provisional patent application for the repurposed use of bortezomib was filed on February 6, 2015. This invention is a product of collaboration between Eric Rubin’s group at Harvard School of Public Health (USA), the Experimental Therapeutic Center - A*STAR (Singapore) and Thomas Dick’s group at Department of Microbiology, National University of Singapore (Singapore).