Centre releases new regimen for leprosy treatment

Subject: S&T

Section: Health

Context:

The Central government of India has approved a new three-drug treatment regimen for Pauci-Bacillary (PB) leprosy cases, replacing the existing two-drug regimen.

Details:

This initiative is part of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme‘s efforts to stop the transmission of leprosy by 2027, three years ahead of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has agreed to supply the revised drug regimen starting April 1, 2025. Consequently, all States and Union Territories in India are required to submit their requisitions for anti-leprosy drugs 12 months in advance.

About Leprosy:

Leprosy, caused by the Mycobacterium leprae bacteria, primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves and can lead to progressive and permanent disabilities if left untreated.
The disease is transmitted through droplets from the nose and mouth during close contact with untreated cases. Leprosy is curable with multi-drug therapy (MDT), which the WHO has been providing free of charge.
The WHO’s recommended MDT consists of dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine. Treatment duration is six months for PB cases and 12 months for multi-bacillary (MB) cases.
The new ‘Uniform MDT’ regimen, using a single three-pack kit for all patients, simplifies administration and manufacturing processes.
However, there is some debate over the necessity of the three-drug regimen, as the two-drug regimen has shown adequate efficacy and low relapse rates in PB cases. Additionally, the third drug, clofazimine, can cause side effects like skin discoloration.

Source: TH