Treatment of drug-susceptible tuberculosis: rapid communication

Overview

This rapid communication aims to inform national TB programmes, technical partners and other stakeholders about key findings and considerations on the use of the 4-month regimen for drug-susceptible TB following the assessment of new evidence, in order to allow for planning at the country level. A review of evidence by WHO has shown similar performance of a shorter treatment regimen compared to the current standard regimen, both in terms of efficacy and safety. The 4-month regimen, which is shorter, effective and all-oral, would be a preference for many patients and also national TB programmes, allowing faster cure and easing the burden on both patients and the healthcare system. Shortened treatment has the potential to improve adherence and reduce patient and health system costs. Implementation and uptake of the new regimen in the short to medium term will be more feasible if the cost of rifapentine is reduced and availability improved. It will also require rigorous antibacterial stewardship to ensure the appropriate use of the first-line regimen given that it contains moxifloxacin, an antibiotic usually used for the treatment of drug-resistant TB.