New TB treatment breakthroughs must reach those in-need without delay
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Shobha Shukla – CNS
Contd from previous issue
TB could also be prevented as we have the tools to prevent TB but are failing to do so because of which over 10 million people suffer from active TB disease every year.
As this study was done on those with drug resistant forms of TB of the lungs (and not extrapulmonary TB), Dr Tweed remarked that it was done so, as TB of the lungs (pulmonary TB) is easier to diagnose, monitor, and confirm cure. Also three out of four TB patients suffer from TB of the lungs.
Larger goal
The larger goal is to have many novel TB treatment regimens, which can be tailored as per the drug resistance profile of a person (individualised therapy), said Dr Tweed.
But we have to tread with caution as many drugs developed in the past century have lost their efficacy due to drug resistance. Sadly, resistance to the relatively new wonder drug Bedaquiline is already getting reported from South Africa, for instance.
(To be contd)
Contd from previous issue
TB could also be prevented as we have the tools to prevent TB but are failing to do so because of which over 10 million people suffer from active TB disease every year.
As this study was done on those with drug resistant forms of TB of the lungs (and not extrapulmonary TB), Dr Tweed remarked that it was done so, as TB of the lungs (pulmonary TB) is easier to diagnose, monitor, and confirm cure. Also three out of four TB patients suffer from TB of the lungs.
Larger goal
The larger goal is to have many novel TB treatment regimens, which can be tailored as per the drug resistance profile of a person (individualised therapy), said Dr Tweed.
But we have to tread with caution as many drugs developed in the past century have lost their efficacy due to drug resistance. Sadly, resistance to the relatively new wonder drug Bedaquiline is already getting reported from South Africa, for instance.
(To be contd)