NEWS – The Union Health Ministry recently introduced the BPaLM regimen to treat Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis under the National TB Elimination Program.

HIGHLIGHTS

About BPaLM Regimen:

• Introduced by Union Health Ministry under the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP).
• Combines four drugs: Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid, and optionally Moxifloxacin.
• Includes a new drug Pretomanid, approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).

Efficacy of BPaLM Regimen:

• Safer and more effective than traditional MDR-TB treatments.
• Patient-Friendly: All-oral regimen, low pill burden.
• Treatment duration reduced to 6 months from the previous 20 months.
• Associated with fewer adverse effects.