WHO Announces New Treatment Regimens for Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis

A rapid communication from the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Programme has unveiled significant updates to the treatment guidelines for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB). These updates introduce a new 6-month regimen that combines bedaquiline (B), delamanid (D), and linezolid (L) with either levofloxacin (Lfx) or clofazimine (C), or both. Additionally, a set of 9-month regimens has been outlined for treating patients with MDR/RR-TB who do not exhibit fluoroquinolone resistance. This announcement precedes the release of updated WHO consolidated guidelines anticipated in early 2025, aiming to facilitate swift adaptation and planning by national TB programmes and stakeholders.