The world of medical treatment has seen a major breakthrough with the advent of Pretomanid, a novel drug specifically designed to help individuals suffering from Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (XDR-TB) and Multi Drug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB) that primarily affects the lungs. The drug serves as a key constituent in a new three-drug treatment regimen that includes two additional medicines, Bedaquiline and Linezolid, administered orally over a span of six months.
Pretomanid: A Hope for India’s Tuberculosis Crisis
India, the country carrying the heaviest tuberculosis burden globally, is perhaps the most significant beneficiary of this development. Recent health reports stated that the year 2018 saw a total of 2.15 million TB cases in the nation, marking an alarming 16% increase from TB cases reported in 2017. The introduction of Pretomanid thus emerges as a significant solution towards managing and gradually reducing this burdensome health crisis.
Challenges Ahead in Implementing the New Regimen
However, the deployment of Pretomanid, along with Bedaquiline, into the new regimen isn’t devoid of its unique set of challenges. Substantial efforts need to be invested in order to register the drug and run it through rigorous trials. Furthermore, the revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) faces the onerous task of negotiating drug prices, ensuring their adequate procurement and also monitoring timely delivery of these life-saving medications.
| Year | Tuberculosis Cases |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 1.85 million |
| 2018 | 2.15 million |
Looking Forward: Combating TB with Artificial Intelligence
To combat the overwhelming spread of TB, the central Tuberculosis Division of the Health Ministry has recently penned a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence. This initiative aims to harness the potential of state-of-the-art AI technology in the ongoing battle against TB. As per the agreement, advanced AI solutions will be implemented to slow down infection rates, progression, and transmission of the disease.
A comprehensive plan is required to address the spread of TB efficiently. It necessitates not only slowing down the disease’s progression but also eliminating it completely. The implementation of Pretomanid and the partnership with Wadhwani Institute are steps in the right direction and make the 2025 TB elimination target a credible goal.
