New Tuberculosis drug approved for kids

Unitaid and IMPAACT4TB Consortium have announced that a child-friendly version of the Tuberculosis drug rifapentine has been approved. IMPAACT4TB stated in its press release that over 2.25 million children and adolescents were in desperate need of TB prevention treatment. The new child-friendly TB drug is a groundbreaking step forward in the fight against tuberculosis. It will help protect children from contracting the disease and potentially save thousands of lives.

IMPAACT4TB stated that low- and middle-income countries will have better access to TB treatment as the drug is more affordable than alternative prevention treatments. This is good news for South African lower-income families who have been exposed to the disease as they can now protect their children.

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE NEW TUBERCULOSIS DRUG?

Rifapentine is a Tuberculosis drug used in the prevention and treatment of the disease. The drug according to the Centres of Disease and Control is not suitable for children who are younger than 12 years old. This means children who are exposed to TB are left unprotected against the disease. The new drug is safe for children and will be used with isoniazid (another TB drug) to help children prevent the disease.

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HOW MUCH WILL THE NEW TB DRUG COST?

According to the press release, the drug could cost around $6,53 – $15,80, depending on the weight of the child. In South Africa that is currently around R124 and R302. As the new treatment is short-term, it is more affordable than the current longer prevention treatment for TB.

HOW MANY CHILDREN ARE AFFECTED BY TB IN THE WORLD?

According to United, over 2.25 million children and adolescents need preventive treatment for TB. Young children with HIV or those who are exposed to TB within their homes are most at risk of contracting TB disease. Globally 214,000 children have died from TB in 2022. The new TB prevention treatment can help to reduce the number of children who contract the disease and potentially save thousands of lives.

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TUBERCULOUS CASES IN SOUTH AFRICA HAVE DROPPED

Although the TB death rate remains high, the number of infected cases has dropped. As reported by South African Government News Agency, Deputy Health Minister, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, stated that the government’s antiretroviral programme which notifies and helps people to get treated has helped to reduce the spread of TB.

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