Scientists Discover a Cure for the Deadliest Strain of Tuberculosis (nytimes.com)

Article summary

A new 3-drug combination treatment for extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) has been approved by the FDA, showing a 90% cure rate in a small trial of 109 patients. The treatment consists of pretomanid, bedaquiline, and linezolid, and is expected to be offered at a low cost. XDR-TB is a highly deadly strain of TB that is resistant to many existing treatments. The new treatment has the potential to significantly improve outcomes for patients with this form of the disease.

Main themes

• TB treatment breakthrough
• Drug resistance
• Global health impact
• Pharmaceutical industry practices
• Medical ethics

What commenters say

• The new treatment is a significant breakthrough in the fight against XDR-TB, offering a high cure rate and potential for widespread access.
• The pharmaceutical industry's restrictive access policies for new drugs can hinder their availability to patients in need.
• The FDA approval process is a crucial step in making new treatments available, but it can be influenced by various factors, including concerns about side effects and liability.
• Some patients and doctors are skeptical about the effectiveness and safety of new treatments, and may be hesitant to adopt them without more evidence.
• The high cost of hospitalization required for some new drugs can be a barrier to access, and alternative solutions such as waivers or remote monitoring may be needed.
• The development of new treatments for TB is critical to addressing the growing problem of drug resistance and improving global health outcomes.
• Pharmaceutical companies have a responsibility to balance their investment in new drugs with the need to make them accessible to patients who need them.
• The use of directly observed therapy and other measures can help ensure the safe and effective use of new TB treatments.