New Study Reveals 90.9% Treatment Success Rate For People Treated for DR-TB in LIFT-TB

A newly published study has documented the success of a six-month, all-oral treatment regimen for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) as administered as part of the Leveraging Innovations for Faster Treatment of Tuberculosis (LIFT-TB) initiative. The innovative BPaL regimen—comprising bedaquiline, pretomanid, and linezolid—was implemented under operational research (OR) conditions in seven countries as part of the project, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency and TB Alliance.

Between November 2020 and March 2023, 574 patients were enrolled in the program. Interim results revealed a remarkable 90.9% treatment success rate among 308 patients, a major improvement compared to previous regimens that were long, toxic, and less effective. While adverse events were common, they were manageable, and only one patient discontinued treatment. Importantly, no unexpected adverse events were reported.

The study demonstrates the feasibility of implementing the BPaL regimen in diverse healthcare settings with the right support systems, advocacy, and collaboration. Researchers reported that the project’s shared experiences and interim successes served as a powerful motivator for countries involved, paving the way for broader adoption of this life-saving treatment.

These findings mark a turning point in the fight against DR-TB, offering hope for more effective, safer, and shorter treatment options worldwide.

Read the full study here

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