Linezolid

At 19, Phumeza Tisile was misdiagnosed and mistreated, with disastrous consequences. With specialist help, she recovered. Now she is going global in her quest to get treatment for XDR-TB to those who need it most.

Drug makers are fighting attempts to change the patent laws in South Africa that would allow cheaper generics on to the market – life-saving medication to treat life-threatening diseases. There is precedent for the country, however, in a ruling by the Indian Supreme Court over the patent for cancer drug Gleevec.