In a paper published recently in the Journal of Clinical Investigations, Max Planck researchers revealed the mechanism by which the new genetically engineered tuberculosis (BCG) vaccine functions. The vaccine has been licensed to the Vakzine Projekt Management who will test it in clinical trials early 2006.

According to the press release, the recombinant BCG has shown more efficacy against tuberculosis in preclinical studies, and confers protection against clinical isolates of the Beijing family.

These clinical isolates are frequently multi-drug-resistant and more aggressive and hence have started to conquer the globe. It has been assumed that the Beijing isolates emerged in response to drug treatment and vaccination. The new genetically engineered BCG could provide an efficacious measure against this threat.