New 3-Drug Regimen for Leprosy Approved

January 25, 2024

The Central government has approved a new three-drug treatment regimen for leprosy patients, aiming to stop transmission of the disease in India by 2027. The National Leprosy Eradication Programme is taking steps to introduce this new regimen consisting of dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine.

Implementation Timeline

The new regimen will be implemented for all PB leprosy patients from April 1, 2025 instead of the current two-drug regimen given for 6 months. The WHO has agreed to supply the revised drugs and states have been asked to send drug requisitions 12 months in advance.

Aim to Eradicate Leprosy

The aim is to eradicate leprosy in India by 2027, three years before the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals target. The introduction of this globally accepted treatment protocol is a significant step towards stopping leprosy transmission across India.

About Leprosy

Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae bacteria which affects the skin and nerves. It can cause permanent disability if left untreated. Transmission occurs through droplets from nose and mouth during close contact with untreated patients. It is curable with Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT).

Types of Leprosy

There are two classifications – PB with fewer visible bacteria and no signs of advanced disease. MB has visible bacteria and advanced disease signs. The new regimen will be given to PB patients for 6 months and MB patients for 12 months.

MDT Drugs

The currently recommended MDT consists of dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine. WHO provides MDT free of cost to patients globally. This uniform regimen makes treatment administration easier across leprosy programmes.

Need for Three-Drug Regimen

Experts say two-drug regimen has adequate efficacy for PB leprosy and low relapse rates, so the third drug may not be strictly needed. Clofazimine has disconcerting side effects like skin discoloration. But the government aims to fully align with global treatment guidelines.

Eradication Efforts

Introduction of this new regimen marks an important advance in India’s efforts to combat leprosy. The government and stakeholders hope that by expanding MDT coverage, leprosy can be eliminated countrywide within the next 3 years.

« Previous Post Next Post »