Advancing TB Research: Dr Jodie Schildkraut & Dr Van Le Hong from Unite4TB Artwork

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The TBPod is a podcast for clinicians and policymakers caring for patients with tuberculosis. The podcasts present discussions with expert clinicians, researchers, policymakers and advocates about their work in the field of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and is an important contributor to morbidity among migrants arriving in Australia and New Zealand. There are around 1300 reported cases of TB in Australia each year, and a further 300 in New Zealand. Included in these figures are cases of multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB which pose significant barriers to treatment and management of the disease. The Australian government has committed to the global elimination of TB by 2030, but to do so requires the development of innovative new strategies, based on high-quality research, that has national and international reach. These podcasts aim to engage and update those who are interested in the field of tuberculosis through discussions with leaders in the field of tuberculosis.

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Advancing TB Research: Dr Jodie Schildkraut & Dr Van Le Hong from Unite4TB

November 18, 2025 • Actnet

Catherine Berry, ACTnet Steering Committee member and ID physician at John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, was joined by Dr Jodie Schildkraut and Dr Van Le Hong, key researchers in the global Unite4TB consortium, which is accelerating the development of new TB treatments.

Dr Schildkraut, based at Radboud University Medical Center, leads the Phase 2B/C clinical trials work package and coordinates across multiple TB consortia. Dr Van Le Hong, a pulmonologist and clinical research fellow at OUCRU Vietnam, heads the multi-arm, multi-stage (MAMS) trial platform in Ho Chi Minh City.

Together, they explore Unite4TB’s approach to transforming TB regimen development, strengthening trial platforms, advancing biomarkers, improving early-phase design, and harmonising global research efforts, while reflecting on the practical challenges of conducting trials in high-burden settings.