| Home
|
New TB drug is easy to take Posted 6-29-98 The first new tuberculosis drug in 25 years will lead to a medication regimen that is easier for patients to follow, researchers and healthcare providers say. Rifapentine, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week, will allow patients to take fewer doses, making them more likely to complete the intensive TB therapy. The current standard drug regimen includes two months of daily treatment, followed by another four months of twice-weekly treatment. Rifapentine therapy includes a similar dosing schedule for the first two months, then reduces to weekly doses. To ensure compliance, many patients with TB must take their medication in the presence of healthcare professionals. "Better compliance not only improves patient outcomes, but should deter drug resistance," the FDA said in announcing the approval. Antibiotic-resistant strains of TB—a major concern of health officials—develop when people don’t complete their treatments. Such strains have emerged in several countries, according to the World Health Organization. TB remains the deadliest infectious disease worldwide, according to WHO. The United States is the first country to approve rifapentine, which will be manufactured by Hoechst Marion Roussell under the trade name Priftin. Related Site |
|