WHO sets new targets for long-acting tuberculosis injections
The new targets aim to simplify tuberculosis prevention and treatment through long-acting injectables that require fewer dosing encounters.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has established new targets for long-acting injectables (LAIs) used for the treatment and prevention of tuberculosis, according to the Deccan Herald.
Current tuberculosis regimens rely on daily oral medicines taken over several months, which can be difficult for many people to maintain.
Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director of the WHO department for HIV, TB, hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections, said LAIs could make prevention and treatment simpler without trading away efficacy, safety or patient choice.
The profile for tuberculosis preventive treatment aims for a full course delivered as a single injection during one encounter.
This vision includes a regimen of no more than four months, administered in three or fewer dosing encounters by a trained health worker.
The targets specify small injection volumes, no cold chain requirement, and efficacy and safety levels at least as good as current oral regimens.