CFZ, or Clofazimine, is an anti-tuberculosis drug that, despite initial intentions, was found to be ineffective in treating tuberculosis (TB).
Clofazimine and Its Initial Purpose
- Clofazimine (CFZ), initially called B663, was first developed in 1954 by Barry et al.
- It was designed as a potential drug for tuberculosis treatment.
- However, early studies indicated that CFZ was not effective against TB.
Shift in Focus: Treating Leprosy
- In 1955, Chang discovered that Clofazimine was effective against Mycobacterium leprae.
- This led to a shift in its usage, and CFZ became primarily known as a treatment for leprosy rather than TB.
Summary Table
| Drug Name | Abbreviation | Intended Use | Actual Use | Effectiveness in TB Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clofazimine | CFZ | Tuberculosis | Leprosy | Ineffective |
Therefore, while initially synthesized as a potential tuberculosis treatment, CFZ (Clofazimine) did not demonstrate effectiveness against TB in early studies and is now primarily used to treat leprosy.
