Asia-Pacific introduces new tool to combat drug-resistant TB, ET HealthWorld

In a breakthrough for the fight against drug-resistant tuberculosis, a new treatment regimen is being rolled out in the Asia-Pacific region, promising a more efficient and less painful cure for patients. The new drug combination, known as BPaL, has shown a cure rate of over 90 percent after just six months of treatment, offering hope for a “new era” in tackling the deadly infectious disease.

Most of the world’s 10.6 million new TB cases in 2022 were recorded in the Asia-Pacific region, with over half of the 1.3 million deaths attributed to tuberculosis. Traditional treatments for drug-resistant TB involved daily painful injections or a long course of multiple pills with severe side effects, leading many patients to prematurely stop their treatment. With the introduction of BPaL, which combines bedaquiline, pretomanid, and linezolid, patients are experiencing fewer pills and milder side effects, resulting in higher success rates and improved outcomes.

One patient who benefited from the new treatment is Efifanio Brillante, a Filipino cook who was diagnosed with drug-resistant TB in 2022. Brillante struggled with the side effects of the older treatment regimen, but after participating in a BPaL trial, he was successfully cured in just six months. The simplicity and effectiveness of the new drug combination have the potential to revolutionize TB treatment in the region.

Despite the progress made with BPaL, challenges remain in diagnosing and treating TB, especially in low-income countries where access to healthcare and medication is limited. Increased investment and support are needed to ensure the widespread adoption of the new treatment regimen and to address the obstacles preventing patients from completing their full course of medication. The development of BPaL marks a significant milestone in the fight against drug-resistant TB, but more efforts are required to make treatment more accessible and effective for all patients.