The present invention relates to a compound capable of killing mycobacteria by activating host cellular mechanisms for use in treating tuberculosis, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of nortriptyline, haloperidol and prochlorperazine edisylate (PE). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of the invention, and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The invention further relates to a method of treating tuberculosis as well as a method of identifying a lead compound for the treatment of tuberculosis.
