Rifabutin for Mycobacterium abscessus lung infection with inducible clarithromycin resistance

The Effect of Rifabutin in Mycobacterium Abscessus With Inducible Clarithromycin Resistance: a Randomized Study

Phase 4 Interventional National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT07514364

This trial will test whether adding rifabutin to standard antibiotics helps adults with Mycobacterium abscessus lung disease that shows inducible clarithromycin resistance.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNational Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Douliu, Yunlin County)
Trial IDNCT07514364 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults with culture-confirmed Mycobacterium abscessus pulmonary disease and laboratory-proven inducible clarithromycin resistance will be enrolled and receive standard antibiotic therapy with or without adjunctive rifabutin. The trial will measure microbiological outcomes including sputum culture conversion, clinical status, progression-free survival, and treatment-related adverse events. Outcomes in the rifabutin and no-rifabutin groups will be compared over a defined follow-up period to determine whether rifabutin improves response or delays progression. Safety and tolerability will be monitored throughout treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18) with radiographic and laboratory-confirmed Mycobacterium abscessus lung infection demonstrating inducible clarithromycin resistance who are clinically stable and able to provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients without inducible clarithromycin resistance, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and those with known rifabutin hypersensitivity are unlikely to benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, adding rifabutin could overcome inducible clarithromycin resistance and increase sputum culture conversion and clinical improvement.

How similar studies have performed: Existing evidence is limited to in vitro studies and case reports, and there have been no prior systematic clinical trials showing efficacy.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged ≥ 18 years
* Diagnosis of pulmonary disease caused by Mycobacterium abscessus confirmed by clinical evaluation and laboratory results
* Antimicrobial susceptibility testing indicating inducible resistance to clarithromycin
* Clinically stable and suitable for antibiotic treatment
* Radiographic evidence of active pulmonary infection
* Willing and able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known hypersensitivity to rifabutin or intolerance to other study medications
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women

Where this trial is running

Douliu, Yunlin County

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Mycobacterium Abscessus Lung Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.