The Union health ministry has approved the introduction of the BPaLM regimen as a novel treatment for multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) under its National TB Elimination Program (NTEP).
This new regimen is expected to offer a highly effective and shorter treatment option.
The BPaLM regimen combines the new anti-TB drug Pretomanid with Bedaquiline and Linezolid, and optionally Moxifloxacin. Pretomanid was previously approved and licensed for use in India by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).
According to the ministry, the BPaLM regimen, which includes Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid, and Moxifloxacin, has been proven to be safer, more effective, and faster than previous MDR-TB treatments.
“While traditional MDR-TB treatments can last up to 20 months with severe side effects, the BPaLM regimen can cure drug-resistant TB in just six months with a high treatment success rate,” the ministry said.
The new regimen is expected to benefit India’s 75,000 drug-resistant TB patients.
The Department of Health and Family Welfare, in consultation with the Department of Health Research, validated the new treatment regimen through a thorough review by in-country experts and a Health Technology Assessment to ensure it is safe and cost-effective.
The rollout of the BPaLM regimen will be planned by the Central TB Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with states and Union Territories. This plan includes extensive capacity building for health professionals to ensure the safe administration of the new regimen.
Under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India aims to eliminate tuberculosis by 2025, five years ahead of the global target set by the Sustainable Development Goals.
Follow us
