It compared two newer bedaquiline-based treatment options – BPaL (bedaquiline, pretomanid and linezolid) and BPaLM (which also includes moxifloxacin) – with the existing 9-11 month shorter regimen and the 18-20 month longer regimen currently used under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).
Shorter oral TB drug regimen cost-effective
New Delhi: Six-month all-oral treatment regimens for multidrug-resistant and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB) are cost-effective and deliver better health outcomes compared to longer existing regimens, according to a new study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research.
The study was conducted by the ICMR–National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (ICMR-NIRT).
It compared two newer bedaquiline-based treatment options - BPaL (bedaquiline, pretomanid and linezolid) and BPaLM (which also includes moxifloxacin) - with the existing 9-11 month shorter regimen and the 18-20 month longer regimen currently used under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).
Better Outcomes at Lower or Comparable Costs
The study found that the BPaL regimen is both more effective and cost-saving. For every additional Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY) gained, the health system spends ₹379 less per patient compared to the standard regimen, indicating improved health outcomes at reduced cost.
The study found that the BPaL regimen is more effective and also saves money. For every extra Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY) gained, the health system spends Rs 379 less per patient compared to the standard treatment, showing better results at a lower cost.
Shorter Treatment, Greater Impact
Treatment for MDR/RR-TB is often difficult because it lasts for many months, can cause serious side effects, and is expensive. The study says shorter, six-month all-oral regimens can make treatment easier for patients, improve adherence, reduce complications, and help them return to normal life faster.
These shorter treatments also ease the burden on the healthcare system. By reducing the treatment period from 9-18 months or more to just six months, the new regimens support India’s efforts to use health resources more efficiently and speed up progress towards eliminating TB.
Policy Implications
The researchers concluded that BPaL-based treatment regimens are expected to lower overall costs or deliver significant value for money.
They noted that these regimens could be adopted more widely under the National TB Elimination Programme, strengthening India’s efforts to combat drug-resistant tuberculosis.
