That’s the good news. The bad news is many of the patients suffered severe side effects. These include nerve problems with hands and feet going numb. There were also eye problems and abnormalities with red and white blood cells. Use of the drug was stopped before any of the patients suffered permanent damage.

As a result, Chen said more studies are needed to determine whether it can safely be used on a large-scale in combination with other drugs. He also says new, potent antibiotics will be coming on the market and these may be tested on TB, as well.