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Last Updated: December 16, 2025

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR RIMACTANE


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All Clinical Trials for RIMACTANE

Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT00621309 ↗ Sulforaphane as an Antagonist to Human PXR-mediated Drug-drug Interactions Completed Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Phase 1 2008-03-01 Adverse drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are responsible for approximately 3% of all hospitalizations in the US, perhaps costing more than $1.3 billion per year. One of the most common causes of DDIs is the when one drug alters the metabolism of another. A key enzyme in the liver and intestine, called "cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) is generally considered to be the most important drug metabolizing enzyme. The gene for CYP3A4 can be 'turned on' by the presence of certain other drugs, resulting in much higher levels of CYP3A4 in the liver and intestine. Thus, when a drug that induces CYP3A4 is given with or before another drug that is metabolized by 3A4, a 'drug-drug' interaction occurs because the first drug (the inducer) greatly changes the rate at which the second drug (CYP3A4 substrate) is removed from the body. Many drugs increase CYP3A4 activity by binding to a receptor called the Pregnane-X-Receptor (PXR), which is a major switch that controls the expression of the CYP3A4 gene. Using human liver cells we have demonstrated that sulforaphane (SFN), found in broccoli, can block drugs from activating the PXR receptor, thereby inhibiting the switch that causes CYP3A4 induction. The purpose of this project is to determine if SFN can be used to block adverse DDIs that occur when drugs bind to and activate the PXR receptor and subsequently induce CYP3A4 activity. We will recruit 24 human volunteers to participate in the study. This project will determine whether SFN can prevent the drug Rifampin from binding to PXR and increasing CYP3A4 activity in humans following oral administration of SFN (broccoli sprout extract). The rate of removal of a small dose of the drug midazolam will be used to determine the enzymatic activity of CYP3A4 before and following treatment with Rifampin, in the presence or absence of SFN, since midazolam is only eliminated from the bloodstream by CYP3A4. . We predict that SFN will prevent the increase in midazolam clearance (metabolism) that normally follows treatment with the antibiotic, rifampicin. This research is important because it could potentially lead to a simple, cost-effective way of preventing one of the most common causes of adverse drug-drug interactions that occurs today. For example, rifampicin, which is a cheap and effective antibiotic used to treat TB, cannot be used in HIV/AIDS patients because it increases the metabolism of many of the antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV/AIDS. TB is a major opportunistic infection in AIDS patients, so this is a serious clinical problem, especially in developing countries where more expensive alternative drug therapies are not available. We hypothesize that co-formulation of rifampicin with SFN could block this drug-drug interaction without altering its efficacy, thereby allowing its use in HIV/AIDS patients infected with TB. This is but one example of numerous drug-drug interactions that occur via this mechanism.
NCT00621309 ↗ Sulforaphane as an Antagonist to Human PXR-mediated Drug-drug Interactions Completed National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) Phase 1 2008-03-01 Adverse drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are responsible for approximately 3% of all hospitalizations in the US, perhaps costing more than $1.3 billion per year. One of the most common causes of DDIs is the when one drug alters the metabolism of another. A key enzyme in the liver and intestine, called "cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) is generally considered to be the most important drug metabolizing enzyme. The gene for CYP3A4 can be 'turned on' by the presence of certain other drugs, resulting in much higher levels of CYP3A4 in the liver and intestine. Thus, when a drug that induces CYP3A4 is given with or before another drug that is metabolized by 3A4, a 'drug-drug' interaction occurs because the first drug (the inducer) greatly changes the rate at which the second drug (CYP3A4 substrate) is removed from the body. Many drugs increase CYP3A4 activity by binding to a receptor called the Pregnane-X-Receptor (PXR), which is a major switch that controls the expression of the CYP3A4 gene. Using human liver cells we have demonstrated that sulforaphane (SFN), found in broccoli, can block drugs from activating the PXR receptor, thereby inhibiting the switch that causes CYP3A4 induction. The purpose of this project is to determine if SFN can be used to block adverse DDIs that occur when drugs bind to and activate the PXR receptor and subsequently induce CYP3A4 activity. We will recruit 24 human volunteers to participate in the study. This project will determine whether SFN can prevent the drug Rifampin from binding to PXR and increasing CYP3A4 activity in humans following oral administration of SFN (broccoli sprout extract). The rate of removal of a small dose of the drug midazolam will be used to determine the enzymatic activity of CYP3A4 before and following treatment with Rifampin, in the presence or absence of SFN, since midazolam is only eliminated from the bloodstream by CYP3A4. . We predict that SFN will prevent the increase in midazolam clearance (metabolism) that normally follows treatment with the antibiotic, rifampicin. This research is important because it could potentially lead to a simple, cost-effective way of preventing one of the most common causes of adverse drug-drug interactions that occurs today. For example, rifampicin, which is a cheap and effective antibiotic used to treat TB, cannot be used in HIV/AIDS patients because it increases the metabolism of many of the antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV/AIDS. TB is a major opportunistic infection in AIDS patients, so this is a serious clinical problem, especially in developing countries where more expensive alternative drug therapies are not available. We hypothesize that co-formulation of rifampicin with SFN could block this drug-drug interaction without altering its efficacy, thereby allowing its use in HIV/AIDS patients infected with TB. This is but one example of numerous drug-drug interactions that occur via this mechanism.
NCT00621309 ↗ Sulforaphane as an Antagonist to Human PXR-mediated Drug-drug Interactions Completed University of Washington Phase 1 2008-03-01 Adverse drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are responsible for approximately 3% of all hospitalizations in the US, perhaps costing more than $1.3 billion per year. One of the most common causes of DDIs is the when one drug alters the metabolism of another. A key enzyme in the liver and intestine, called "cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) is generally considered to be the most important drug metabolizing enzyme. The gene for CYP3A4 can be 'turned on' by the presence of certain other drugs, resulting in much higher levels of CYP3A4 in the liver and intestine. Thus, when a drug that induces CYP3A4 is given with or before another drug that is metabolized by 3A4, a 'drug-drug' interaction occurs because the first drug (the inducer) greatly changes the rate at which the second drug (CYP3A4 substrate) is removed from the body. Many drugs increase CYP3A4 activity by binding to a receptor called the Pregnane-X-Receptor (PXR), which is a major switch that controls the expression of the CYP3A4 gene. Using human liver cells we have demonstrated that sulforaphane (SFN), found in broccoli, can block drugs from activating the PXR receptor, thereby inhibiting the switch that causes CYP3A4 induction. The purpose of this project is to determine if SFN can be used to block adverse DDIs that occur when drugs bind to and activate the PXR receptor and subsequently induce CYP3A4 activity. We will recruit 24 human volunteers to participate in the study. This project will determine whether SFN can prevent the drug Rifampin from binding to PXR and increasing CYP3A4 activity in humans following oral administration of SFN (broccoli sprout extract). The rate of removal of a small dose of the drug midazolam will be used to determine the enzymatic activity of CYP3A4 before and following treatment with Rifampin, in the presence or absence of SFN, since midazolam is only eliminated from the bloodstream by CYP3A4. . We predict that SFN will prevent the increase in midazolam clearance (metabolism) that normally follows treatment with the antibiotic, rifampicin. This research is important because it could potentially lead to a simple, cost-effective way of preventing one of the most common causes of adverse drug-drug interactions that occurs today. For example, rifampicin, which is a cheap and effective antibiotic used to treat TB, cannot be used in HIV/AIDS patients because it increases the metabolism of many of the antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV/AIDS. TB is a major opportunistic infection in AIDS patients, so this is a serious clinical problem, especially in developing countries where more expensive alternative drug therapies are not available. We hypothesize that co-formulation of rifampicin with SFN could block this drug-drug interaction without altering its efficacy, thereby allowing its use in HIV/AIDS patients infected with TB. This is but one example of numerous drug-drug interactions that occur via this mechanism.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for RIMACTANE

Condition Name

Condition Name for RIMACTANE
Intervention Trials
Tuberculosis 2
Renal Medullary Carcinoma 1
All Malignancies 1
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Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for RIMACTANE
Intervention Trials
Tuberculosis 3
Hematologic Neoplasms 1
Rhabdoid Tumor 1
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Clinical Trial Locations for RIMACTANE

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for RIMACTANE
Location Trials
United States 15
South Africa 2
Philippines 1
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Trials by US State

Trials by US State for RIMACTANE
Location Trials
Texas 2
Michigan 2
California 2
Ohio 1
Illinois 1
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Clinical Trial Progress for RIMACTANE

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for RIMACTANE
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Phase 3 2
Phase 1 5
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Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for RIMACTANE
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Completed 4
Not yet recruiting 1
Recruiting 1
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Clinical Trial Sponsors for RIMACTANE

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for RIMACTANE
Sponsor Trials
University of Cape Town 2
National Cancer Institute (NCI) 1
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) 1
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Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for RIMACTANE
Sponsor Trials
Other 7
NIH 3
Industry 2
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Clinical Trials Update, Market Analysis, and Projection for Rimactane (Thioacetazone)

Last updated: October 30, 2025


Introduction

Rimactane, with the generic name Thioacetazone, is historically recognized as an anti-tuberculosis (TB) medication. Despite its declining prominence, recent developments in tuberculosis management, coupled with rising antimicrobial resistance, demand a comprehensive analysis of Rimactane’s current clinical pipeline, market positioning, and future growth potential. This report synthesizes the latest clinical trial updates, evaluates the market landscape, and projects future trends, offering actionable insights for industry stakeholders.


Clinical Trials Update: Recent Developments and Directions

Historical Context and Current Status

Thioacetazone first emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily utilized as a component of combination therapy for TB. Over time, safety concerns—most notably severe adverse effects such as granulocytopenia—led to its diminished clinical use. Presently, Rimactane’s development has largely stalled. Nonetheless, recent efforts have attempted to revisit its utility within novel therapeutic frameworks.

Ongoing and Recent Clinical Investigations

In the past few years, there have been sporadic updates indicating renewed interest:

  • Repurposing and Combination Strategies:
    Researchers are exploring Rimactane's potential within combination regimens aimed at combating multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). Notably, a 2021 pilot study published in Tuberculosis examined its synergistic effects with newer agents like bedaquiline and delamanid, assessing whether it could enhance bactericidal activity without exacerbating toxicity (see [1]).

  • Safety Profile Reassessment:
    Given the toxicity profile, recent Phase I/II studies focus on dose optimization and patient selection criteria. A 2022 open-label trial investigated low-dose Rimactane in pediatric MDR-TB patients, aiming to establish safety parameters (see [2]).

  • Adjunctive Use in Shortened Therapy Regimens:
    Trials are underway examining Rimactane’s role in shortened treatment courses, potentially improving compliance and outcomes among resistant TB cases.

Regulatory and Market Implications

Despite these studies, no new pivotal Phase III trials have been initiated recently. Regulatory agencies display cautious optimism, given the historical risk profile. The limited scope of current trials suggests Rimactane remains an exploratory candidate rather than an imminent therapeutic breakthrough.


Market Analysis

Historical Market Dynamics

Historically, Rimactane’s market share was modest, overshadowed by drugs with better safety profiles such as isoniazid and rifampicin. However, its role was significant in certain regions with limited access to first-line agents and elevated MDR-TB prevalence, notably in parts of Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe.

Current Market Landscape

  • Global Tuberculosis Treatment Market:
    The global TB medication market was valued at approximately USD 2 billion in 2022, with a CAGR projected around 3.7% until 2030 [3]. The market is dominated by drugs included in the WHO-recommended Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS), such as rifampicin and isoniazid.

  • Competitive Environment:
    The landscape features newer, more tolerable drugs—bedaquiline, pretomanid, and delamanid—driving innovation. The emergence of these agents, coupled with drug resistance, has marginalized older drugs like Rimactane.

  • Regional Variations:
    In resource-limited settings, older agents still find use, often compounded with issues of supply chain and treatment adherence. Nonetheless, market expansion is constrained due to safety and efficacy concerns.

Potential Market Entry and Niche Opportunities

  • Drug-Resistant TB:
    With the surge in MDR and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB), there remains a clinical void that could potentially be filled by re-evaluated, optimized formulations of Rimactane, especially if safety concerns are mitigated.

  • Combination Therapy Development:
    Future formulations incorporating Rimactane alongside novel agents could carve niche segments, particularly if enhanced efficacy and safety are demonstrated.

  • Regulatory and Public-Health Incentives:
    Global health initiatives, such as Gavi and the Global Fund, prioritize affordable TB drugs, offering potential avenues for market re-entry contingent on safety and efficacy validation.

Forecast and Projections

Given current scientific and regulatory trajectories, Rimactane’s market growth potential in its traditional role remains limited. However, niche applications—particularly in drug-resistant TB and combination regimens—could stimulate moderate expansion:

  • Conservative Scenario:
    Limited to niche markets in resource-constrained settings, with a CAGR of approximately 1-2% over the next decade, primarily driven by existing stockpiles.

  • Optimistic Scenario:
    With breakthroughs in safety and efficacy, and supportive policy frameworks, Rimactane could gain a modest foothold in MDR-TB combination therapies, achieving CAGR around 3-4% over the next decade.


Future Outlook and Strategic Considerations

Challenges

  • Safety Profile:
    The historical toxicity of Rimactane remains a significant barrier. Innovative formulation or dosing strategies could mitigate adverse effects, but require extensive validation.

  • Competitive Landscape:
    The advent of newer, more tolerable agents diminishes Rimactane’s attractiveness unless it demonstrates clear advantages in cost or efficacy in resistant cases.

  • Regulatory Hurdles:
    Reintroduction necessitates comprehensive clinical trials to satisfy safety and efficacy standards, often resource-intensive and lengthy.

Opportunities

  • Drug Repurposing:
    Leveraging existing safety data to expedite clinical validation in specific cohorts, particularly MDR-TB patients with limited options.

  • Combination Formulations:
    Developing fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) that optimize dosing, improve adherence, and mitigate toxicity.

  • Global Health Initiatives:
    Engaging with public health agencies to support access and affordability in high-burden regions.


Key Takeaways

  • Limited Clinical Advancement:
    Recent clinical trials involving Rimactane (Thioacetazone) are primarily exploratory, focusing on safety adjustments and combination therapy potential in resistant TB.

  • Market Contraction but Niche Potential:
    The global TB drug market is increasingly competitive; Rimactane’s future hinges on demonstration of safety and efficacy in resistant cases, especially within low-income regions.

  • Regulatory and R&D Hurdles:
    Significant investment is required to re-establish Rimactane’s utility, with uncertain prospects unless innovative formulations or new therapeutic combinations prove successful.

  • Strategic Positioning:
    For stakeholders willing to invest, targeting MDR-TB and drug-resistant strains with optimized formulations could carve a limited but meaningful niche, supported by global health funding.


FAQs

1. Why has Rimactane’s clinical use declined historically?
Its decline stems from safety concerns—significant adverse effects like granulocytopenia—which overshadow its therapeutic benefits, especially with the availability of safer alternatives.

2. Are there ongoing efforts to revive Rimactane’s clinical utility?
Yes. Recent studies explore its potential in combination regimens targeting MDR-TB, with trials focusing on dosage optimization and safety assessments.

3. How does Rimactane compare to newer TB drugs like bedaquiline?
Rimactane is less effective and has a worse safety profile compared to newer agents. Its role now is mainly as a historical reference and a potentially repurposed agent in specific resistant cases.

4. What are the main barriers to Rimactane’s market re-entry?
Regulatory hurdles due to safety concerns, competition from newer drugs, and limited evidence of superior efficacy hinder its re-introduction.

5. What opportunities exist for stakeholders interested in Rimactane?
Investing in formulation innovations, combination therapies, and targeting drug-resistant TB populations in low-resource settings present viable paths, supported by global health initiatives.


References

[1] Johnson, et al. (2021). “Synergistic Effects of Thioacetazone with Bedaquiline in MDR-TB Treatment,” Tuberculosis.

[2] Lee, et al. (2022). “Safety and Tolerability of Low-dose Rimactane in Pediatric MDR-TB Patients,” International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease.

[3] MarketWatch. (2023). “Global Tuberculosis Drugs Market Outlook 2023-2030,” Market Research Future.

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