The Wellcome Institute was for many years one of the pioneers of medical research into Tuberculosis and it became interested in doing further research at Oakwood Hall Sanatorium. In 1935, through the kindness of Dr. R. A. O'Brien from the Wellcome physiological Research Laboratories, Oakwood patients were given the unique opportunity to test a new drug called Tuberculo-protein. Tests on this medication had already been completed in America and had proved effective in the treatment of Tuberculosis. Further testing was greatly needed before this could be classed as a revolutionary treatment.
Dr. O'Brien set up his own small laboratory at Oakwood Sanatorium so he could complete his own tests. In total 153 patients were carefully selected. Over the next 12 months these patients were rigidly monitored for any adverse effects of the new drug. Physical examinations, X-ray and sputum samples were taken daily. It was hoped that the new drug Tuberculo-protein would replace a drug called Tuberculin, which had been used for a number of years for the treatment of TB.
By the end of 1935 Dr. O'Brien and the Wellcome Institute had completed a small investigation in to the results of the experiment. The results only indicated that the new drug Tuberculo-protein showed a very similar result to the already well-established drug Tuberculin. However the advantage of the new drug was it could be given in material that could be supplied in a dry state e.g. powder or tablet. Tuberculosis had baffled the medical profession for a very long time. It would be another 20 years before any real effective treatment would be discovered for the treatment of TB.
© Neil and Janet Croft 2005