Several studies presented at the Union World Conference on Lung Health in Paris highlight positive developments in the treatment of drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis (DR-TB).

The Leveraging Innovation for Faster Treatment of Tuberculosis (LIFT TB) trial revealed a nearly 95% cure rate with the World Health Organization-recommended regimen.

The regimen includes a 6-month all-oral BPaL.

The EndTB trial identified four alternative shorter regimens with higher cure rates than the standard 18- to 24-month regimens.

The regimens included different combinations of bedaquiline, delaminid, clofazimine, linezolid, moxifloxacin or levofloxacin, and pyrazinamide.

Additionally, studies in South Africa and Vietnam suggest that an oral antibiotic could reduce the risk of developing DR-TB in both adults and children.

Lastly, preventive treatment trials using levofloxacin demonstrate a 56% reduction in the risk of developing MDR-TB in children under 5.

The goal is to encourage more countries with a high DR-TB burden to adopt updated treatment guidelines and provide access to shorter, more effective treatments.

The findings are expected to inform upcoming WHO guidelines on MDR-TB preventive treatment.