A workshop on Clinical Trials for Drug Resistant Tuberculosis was convened from June 10 - 12 in Cambridge, MA. A large group of scientists, practitioners, activists, donors, and regulatory experts from around the world came together to map out a strategic plan for conducting clinical trials to improve the management of DR-TB. As a member of the GHDonline team, I joined the workshop to introduce the idea of using an online community to support the group’s work. The differences in professional areas and geographic areas made for a dynamic and comprehensive discussion. The diverse group was comfortable debating and brainstorming with each other and concluded the three-day workshop with a shared vision and a concrete work plan to move forward.
Following the meeting, the group declared the formation of a movement that will:
- Conduct the most important priority clinical trials to test strategies to prevent DR-TB and to shorten and improve treatment for disease
- Mobilize the resources needed for these trials
- Build the capacity of trial sites
- Ensure that these efforts complement those of other groups, and address the critical unmet needs outlined above
The group will use a online community on GHDonline.org to organize the effort.