The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one-third of the world's population is infected with tuberculosis (TB), resulting in around 1.8 million deaths annually. Although most prevalent in developing nations, global population movement and the HIV epidemic are leading to increased incidence in non-endemic areas. Despite the availability of an established drug therapy and vaccine, problems with drug resistance and poor immunogenicity demand that new treatment options be developed. This article outlines the issues in the global fight to control TB and highlights the major players and techniques currently involved in the development of novel TB therapies - both vaccines and drugs.