Shorter, simpler DR-TB regimen expected later this year

Posted in: Edition 10: Drug-resistant TB, Latest, NSP and SANAC, TB, TB

A new six-month treatment regimen for drug-resistant forms of tuberculosis is expected to be rolled out in the public sector later this year – current regimens take anything from nine to 18 months. Catherine Tomlinson unpacks why the switch is important and outlines what still needs to happen to make it a reality.

Shorter, simpler DR-TB regimen expected later this year

400 people in SA with highly drug-resistant TB to get new three-drug regimen

Posted in: Edition 10: Drug-resistant TB, Edition 14: Tuberculosis, Edition 7: TB, Latest, TB, TB

Treating highly drug-resistant forms of tuberculosis can take anything from nine to 24 months and patients have to contend with various unpleasant, and sometimes dangerous, side effects. A new six-month regimen made up of just three drugs that will be offered to 400 patients in South Africa might offer a better solution for some. Tiyese Jeranji reports.