Representatives of the institutions involved in BLMs4BU shared studies linked to the clinical trial, including research by the University of Zaragoza aimed at improving the molecular confirmation of suspected Buruli ulcer cases.
The BLMs4BU Consortium took part in the 2026 Congress of the Spanish Society of Tropical Medicine and International Health (SEMTSI), held from 30 September to 2 October 2026, to present scientific advances related to Buruli ulcer and to the clinical trial conducted within the project.
Among the contributions presented, Emma Sáez López, a researcher at the University of Zaragoza, delivered an oral presentation entitled “Determining the cut-off value and limit of detection of qPCR for confirming suspected Buruli ulcer cases”. The presentation was part of the oral communications session on microbiology and parasitology.
The Congress programme also included the poster “BLMs4BU cohort: demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with Buruli ulcer. Benin, 2021–2025”, presented by Luis Bonilla from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III. This contribution helps expand the knowledge generated from trial participants and improve understanding of their clinical and epidemiological characteristics.
Research to shorten Buruli ulcer treatment
BLMs4BU is an international project assessing whether Buruli ulcer treatment can be shortened from eight to four weeks by adding amoxicillin/clavulanate to the current rifampicin and clarithromycin regimen. The clinical trial is being conducted in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Togo.
A shorter, effective and fully oral treatment could support adherence, reduce the need for hospitalisation and lower the costs associated with care, particularly in rural communities where access to health services is limited.
Diagnostic research is an important part of this effort. Robust and harmonised molecular procedures make it possible to confirm cases appropriately, improve the monitoring of trial participants and strengthen the quality of the data used to evaluate trial outcomes.
An international consortium addressing a neglected disease
The project is coordinated by the ARAID Foundation and the University of Zaragoza and brings together research institutions, civil society organisations, health services and national neglected tropical disease programmes from Europe and Africa. Fundación Anesvad participates as a consortium member and funder.
Participation in SEMTSI 2026 provided an opportunity to share the knowledge generated by the project with the scientific community and to advance diagnostic and therapeutic solutions that better respond to the needs of people affected by Buruli ulcer.