WHO announces updates on the treatment of drug-susceptible TB
14 June 2021, Geneva | A rapid communication released by the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Programme announced updates to the current treatment regimen for people with TB. A review of evidence by WHO has shown similar performance of a shorter treatment regimen compared to the current standard regimen, both in terms of efficacy and safety. The 4-month regimen, which is shorter, effective and all-oral, would be a preference for many patients and also national TB programmes, allowing faster cure and easing the burden on both patients and the healthcare system. Shortened treatment has the potential to improve adherence and reduce patient and health system costs.
“The treatment options for people with TB are increasing thanks to research that is generating new evidence. Shorter effective regimens are critical to ensure better access and adherence to TB treatment, and to save lives and reduce suffering” said Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO’s Global TB Programme. “We ask for renewed commitment from country officials and stakeholder support in ensuring these updates are rapidly implemented.”
This rapid communication aims to inform national TB programmes, technical partners and other stakeholders about key findings and considerations on the use of the 4-month regimen following the assessment of new evidence, in order to allow for planning at the country level. Implementation and uptake of the new regimen in the short to medium term will be more feasible if the cost of rifapentine is reduced and availability improved. It will also require rigorous antibacterial stewardship to ensure the appropriate use of the first-line regimen given that it contains moxifloxacin, an antibiotic usually used for the treatment of drug-resistant TB.
Review process
In 2021, the WHO Global TB Programme received data from the recent randomized controlled trial (TBTC study 31/ACTG A5349, or S31/A5349, referred to as “Study 31”) and convened a Guideline Development Group (GDG) to review study results. The GDG meeting took place virtually from 27-30 April 2021. The objectives of the GDG meeting were to review the evidence on the efficacy and safety of a 4-month regimen for the treatment of drug-susceptible TB and update evidence-informed recommendations on the optimal use of regimens for the treatment of drug-susceptible TB. Based on the outcomes of the GDG meeting, detailed recommendations will be presented in the 2021 update of the WHO consolidated guidelines on tuberculosis. Module 4: Treatment - Drug-Susceptible Tuberculosis Treatment.
To access the rapid communication, click here.
Source: WHO
