Advancing against drug-resistant tuberculosis: an extensive review, novel strategies and patent landscape

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) represents a pressing global health issue, leading to heightened morbidity and mortality. Despite extensive research efforts, the escalation of DR-TB cases underscores the urgent need for enhanced prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. This review delves deep into the molecular and genetic origins of different types of DR-TB, highlighting recent breakthroughs in detection and diagnosis, including Rapid Diagnostic Tests like Xpert Ultra, Whole Genome Sequencing, and AI-based tools along with latest viewpoints on diagnosis and treatment of DR-TB utilizing newer and repurposed drug molecules. Special emphasis is given to the pivotal role of novel drugs and discusses updated treatment regimens endorsed by governing bodies, alongside innovative personalized drug-delivery systems such as nano-carriers, along with an analysis of relevant patents in this area. All the compiled information highlights the inherent challenges of current DR-TB treatments, discussing their complexity, potential side effects, and the socioeconomic strain they impose, particularly in under-resourced regions, emphasizing the cost-effective and accessible solutions. By offering insights, this review aims to serve as a compass for researchers, healthcare practitioners, and policymakers, emphasizing the critical need for ongoing R&D to improve treatments and broaden access to crucial TB interventions.Graphical Abstract- The escalating burden of DR-TB represents a significant global health threat.- Effective strategies are needed for DR-TB's prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.- The review emphasizes DR-TB management with novel techniques and AI approaches.- It also focuses on relevant patents related to DR-TB management.- It underscores continuous research for effective DR-TB control challenges.Graphical Abstract- The escalating burden of DR-TB represents a significant global health threat.- Effective strategies are needed for DR-TB's prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.- The review emphasizes DR-TB management with novel techniques and AI approaches.- It also focuses on relevant patents related to DR-TB management.- It underscores continuous research for effective DR-TB control challenges.Graphical Abstract- The escalating burden of DR-TB represents a significant global health threat.- Effective strategies are needed for DR-TB's prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.- The review emphasizes DR-TB management with novel techniques and AI approaches.- It also focuses on relevant patents related to DR-TB management.- It underscores continuous research for effective DR-TB control challenges.Graphical Abstract- The escalating burden of DR-TB represents a significant global health threat.- Effective strategies are needed for DR-TB's prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.- The review emphasizes DR-TB management with novel techniques and AI approaches.- It also focuses on relevant patents related to DR-TB management.- It underscores continuous research for effective DR-TB control challenges.Graphical Abstract- The escalating burden of DR-TB represents a significant global health threat.- Effective strategies are needed for DR-TB's prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.- The review emphasizes DR-TB management with novel techniques and AI approaches.- It also focuses on relevant patents related to DR-TB management.- It underscores continuous research for effective DR-TB control challenges.