The National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) is set to roll out BPaL, the shortest treatment regimen for drug-resistant Tuberculosis (TB), nationwide in early January. This novel combination of Bedaquiline, Pretomanid and Linezolid has been associated with an impressive 90% cure rate and also a substantial reduction in the treatment duration.
Key advantages of BPaL:
High Efficacy: The BPaL regimen has showed an excellent 90% cure rate in clinical trials involving 403 patients in India, with 352 patients achieving recovery.
Optimized Dosing: The Indian study also established that a reduced daily dose of Linezolid (600mg) is as effective as the previously recommended 1200mg.
Simplified Administration: No more daily injections! The streamlined 3-tablet daily regimen should be easier for patients to adhere to.
Short duration: BPaL condenses the therapy duration from the current 18 months average to just 6 months, improving patient compliance and outcomes.
National Training Initiative:
To facilitate an efficient roll-out, training sessions are underway on BPaL and the updated TB treatment guidelines across all doctors in India. State readiness for BPaL’s national launch will be achieved by updating healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills. Already adopted in over 40 countries, BPaL’s shorter, injection-free regimen is poised to transform MDR-TB treatment, addressing high drop-out rates and improving patient outcomes across India.
This breakthrough offers renewed hope for individuals battling drug-resistant tuberculosis
