Lansoprazole may stop tuberculosis, says study

The gastric acid suppressant lansoprazole could work against the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB), according to new research from University College London (UCL) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

The study, published today in PLOS Medicine, found that people who used lansoprazole, as opposed to similar drugs omeprazole or pantoprazole, were a third less likely to develop TB.

Lansoprazole, the active ingredient of off-patent Takepron from Japan’s Takeda (TYO: 4502),  is a cheap and widely-used drug, and treats conditions including heartburn, gastritis and ulcers.