Scientists have discovered three new safe and effective treatments for drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), offering hope for improved patient outcomes. The breakthrough follows a multinational clinical trial conducted by researchers from various global institutions as part of the “End TB” project. The study aimed to expand treatment options, reduce side effects, and replace daily injections with more convenient and less toxic oral medications.
Drug-resistant TB, particularly cases resistant to rifampin an essential first-line antibiotic has posed a significant challenge due to poor treatment options and limited high-quality evidence supporting effective care. Historically, treatment regimens for drug-resistant TB were lengthy, lasting 18 to 24 months, and relied on injectable drugs such as aminoglycosides or polypeptides, which had severe side effects.
The recent research, conducted between 2017 and 2021, involved 754 participants from countries with high TB rates, including Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Lesotho, Pakistan, Peru, and South Africa. The study population included children and individuals co-infected with HIV or hepatitis C, two conditions often found in regions where TB is prevalent.
Participants were randomly assigned to either a standard four-month treatment or one of five new oral drug combinations administered over nine months. These regimens incorporated newer drugs like bedaquiline and delamanid, alongside repurposed drugs such as clofazimine and linezolid.
Among the five experimental regimens, three were found to be particularly effective, achieving success rates between 85 and 90 percent. This marked an improvement over the 81 percent success rate observed in the control group, which received standard treatment. The shorter, all-oral regimens demonstrated non-inferior efficacy compared to conventional therapies while eliminating the need for injections and reducing toxicity.
Each year, an estimated 410,000 people develop rifampin-resistant TB, yet only 40 percent receive a diagnosis and treatment. Of those treated, approximately 65 percent achieve successful outcomes. The new findings suggest that the availability of shorter, all-oral treatments could significantly improve these figures by making treatment more accessible and tolerable.
The trial’s results indicate a shift toward more patient-friendly TB care, with multiple treatment options now available to tailor therapy to individual needs. By supporting the effectiveness of these new regimens, the study represents a major step forward in combating drug-resistant TB. The findings provide fresh hope for millions affected by this deadly disease and reinforce the global effort to improve TB treatment strategies.
