Tests a new drug combination for tuberculous meningitis, a brain infection
Tests a new combination of antibiotics against TB meningitis in adults with HIV.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: BPaLMZ for TB Meningitis
Key facts
- Where
- Kampala and Mbarara, UgandaSee the 2 sites
- Phase
- Phase 2
AI summary: who the study is looking for
From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.
The trial is looking for adults living with HIV who have a first episode of definite or probable tuberculous meningitis (TB infection of the membranes around the brain) and are about to start treatment.
- Age
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All sexes can join
- Disease stage
- First episode of definite or probable tuberculous meningitis, with the doctor planning to treat it
- Earlier treatment
- Cannot have had more than 5 doses of any TB treatment in the previous 14 days
- Biomarker or test result
- Living with HIV; no cryptococcal antigen in the blood
Main reasons for not taking part
- Another confirmed active infection of the brain or spinal cord
- Known rifampicin-resistant TB
- Liver problems such as jaundice, cirrhosis or high liver test results
- Serious heart problems or QTc above 450 ms
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
This trial only enrols participants living with HIV. The registry sentence this rests on: * Living with HIV
Read by machine on 12 November 2026.
Where in Uganda
- Infectious Diseases InstituteKampala, UgandaContact: Suzan Namombwe, MBChBTaking people
- Mbarara University of Science and TechnologyMbarara, UgandaContact: Conrad Muzoora, MBChB MMedTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial details
- Who runs it
- David Boulware
- Trial code
- NCT07227779
- Record updated
- 16 October 2026
- Original description
This two-stage study will compare consented research participants with tuberculous meningitis receiving experimental Bedaquiline (B), Pretomanid (Pa), Linezolid (L); Moxifloxacin (M), Pyrazinamide (Z) known as (BPaLMZ) to controls receiving SOC of rifampicin (R), isoniazid (H), pyrazinamide (Z), and ethambutol (E), known as RHZE. The experimental regimen is known as 1BPaLMZ/5PaM.Read full original descriptionShow less
A PHASE 2 NOVEL ANTIMICROBIAL COMBINATION THERAPY TO TREAT TUBERCULOUS MENINGITIS
This two-stage study will compare consented research participants with tuberculous meningitis receiving experimental Bedaquiline (B), Pretomanid (Pa), Linezolid (L); Moxifloxacin (M), Pyrazinamide (Z) known as (BPaLMZ) to controls receiving SOC of rifampicin (R), isoniazid (H), pyrazinamide (Z), and ethambutol (E), known as RHZE. The experimental regimen is known as 1BPaLMZ/5PaM.
Inclusion: First Episode definite or probable TBM with physician intent to treat; Age ≥18 years; Provision of Informed Consent by participant or surrogate; Living with HIV; Weight > 35kg, estimate or measured.
Exclusion: More than 5 doses of any TB therapy received within the previous 14 days; Additional active and confirmed CNS infection; Allergy or contraindication to a study medicine; Condition which makes participation not in the participant's best interest; Presence of jaundice, known liver cirrhosis, elevated ALT or AST >3x ULN, or total bilirubin >2x ULN; Significant cardiac comorbidity, heart failure, arrhythmia, or QTc >450 ms; Known rifampicin-resistant TB; Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate <30 ml/min/1.73m2; Pregnancy or Breastfeeding; Cryptococcal antigen positivity in blood.