Health Ministry approves new treatment regimen for multidrug-resistant TB
- The new BPaLM regimen consisting of four drugs — Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid and Moxifloxacin — has proven to be a safe, more effective and quicker treatment option than previous procedures
Highlights:
- The Union Health Ministry has approved the introduction of a new treatment regimen for drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) in India.
- The BPaLM regimen, consisting of four drugs — Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid, and Moxifloxacin, offers a safer, more effective, and quicker alternative to the existing treatment for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB).
India’s Target for TB Elimination:
- India is working towards eliminating TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global target under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- In line with this objective, the Ministry has introduced the BPaLM regimen under the National TB Elimination Programme.
- This new treatment includes Pretomanid, an anti-TB drug recently approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for use in India.
Advantages of the BPaLM Regimen:
- The traditional treatment for MDR-TB can last up to 20 months and comes with severe side effects. In contrast, the BPaLM regimen offers the following advantages:
- Shorter duration: Cures drug-resistant TB in just six months.
- Higher success rate: Demonstrates greater effectiveness compared to older treatments.
- Cost savings: Reduces the overall cost of treatment.
- Around 75,000 drug-resistant TB patients in India will benefit from this new regimen.
India’s TB Laboratory Network:
- India boasts the world’s largest TB laboratory network, featuring:
- 7,767 rapid molecular testing facilities
- 87 culture and drug susceptibility testing laboratories
- This network supports the detection and treatment of TB across the country, enhancing the effectiveness of the new regimen.
Prelims Takeaways:
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)