New treatment approved for drug-resistant tuberculosis
The US Food and Drug Administration approved a new treatment for highly drug-resistant tuberculosis, offering new hope in the fight against the world's most deadly infectious disease. (CNN) - The US Food and Drug Administration approved a new treatment for highly drug-resistant tuberculosis, offering new hope in the fight against the world's most deadly infectious disease. Drug-resistant strains are on the increase due to incomplete and challenging courses of treatment that last for more than 18 months. "Until very recently, people infected with highly drug-resistant TB had poor treatment options and a poor prognosis," said Dr. Francesca Conradie, principal investigator of the trial. Multidrug-resistant TB and extensively drug-resistant TB are public health threats due to limited treatment options," FDA Principal Deputy Commissioner Amy Abernethy said in a statement.