#United States #New York #TB Alliance #pretomanid #drug-resistant TB

25% Price Reduction for Key DR-TB Medicine

The battle against drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) has reached a crucial milestone with a significant price reduction for pretomanid, a vital medication used in treatment regimens. TB Alliance, an organization dedicated to developing and promoting tuberculosis (TB) treatments, announced a 25% drop in the price of pretomanid, which now stands at $169 per treatment course through the Global Drug Facility (GDF). This price brings the cost to less than $1 per day, an important affordability benchmark set by the global TB advocacy community.

Background on Pretomanid

Pretomanid, a critical component of DR-TB treatment regimens known as BPaL/M, was initially approved in 2019 at a price of $364. With ongoing efforts to improve access and affordability, the price has been progressively reduced over time, dropping from $224 in October 2024. The current price represents a success of TB Alliance's multi-manufacturer strategy that aims to broaden the medicine's availability and enhance competition among manufacturers, which ultimately drives prices down.

The Strategy and Its Impact

TB Alliance has pioneered a unique access model involving collaboration with multiple quality-assured pharmaceutical manufacturers. By fostering a competitive environment, they have ensured consistent and affordable access to pretomanid across regions significantly burdened by TB. This model has propelled the rapid provision of treatment options, addressing the urgent need for effective TB therapies.

Dr. Mel Spigelman, President and CEO of TB Alliance, highlighted this recent achievement, stating, "This progress demonstrates how thoughtful collaboration and planning can translate into real-world impact." His remarks underline the effectiveness of allowing various high-quality producers to contribute to the supply chain, making sure that life-saving medications reach those in need.

According to the Stop TB Partnership, the procurement through GDF will save an estimated $37 million annually. This saving is significant, as it allows for the treatment of an additional 120,000 individuals suffering from DR-TB. Alongside this price reduction, the total cost of a full BPaL/M treatment course has been reduced to $310, which is under $2 a day, marking a remarkable 47% decrease from its December 2022 pricing.

Understanding the BPaL Treatment Regimen

The BPaL/M regimen, recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a six-month treatment protocol for many forms of DR-TB. It comprises bedaquiline (B), pretomanid (Pa), linezolid (L), and optionally, moxifloxacin (M). The uptake of pretomanid has been unprecedented; in the year 2024 alone, around 110,000 courses were ordered globally, which accounted for over 60% of the total market share for DR-TB treatments.

Commitment to Accessibility

Lupin Limited, a key partner in this initiative, commended the collaboration with TB Alliance and GDF, expressing pride in making pretomanid more accessible to global TB patients. Ramesh Swaminathan, Global CFO at Lupin, stated that this price reduction reflects their commitment to delivering high-quality medications at affordable prices, ensuring TB patients receive the necessary treatment to save lives and bolster public health systems.

Olya Klymenko, Development Director of TBPeopleUkraine, emphasized the importance of affordable drug options, saying, "The full BPaL/M regimen now costing less than $2 per day is deeply meaningful." This sentiment echoes the calls from TB advocacy communities for equitable access to effective treatment options.

TB Alliance's Future Plans

Looking ahead, TB Alliance is dedicated to further expanding its innovative access model that aims to bring new TB treatment innovations to patients swiftly. Future tenders are anticipated to introduce additional price reductions for pretomanid, which could enhance the landscape of TB treatment even further.

Strategies beyond pricing, such as LIFT-TB, SLASH-TB, and the PeerLINC Knowledge Hub, are in play to accelerate the global adoption and availability of shortened DR-TB treatment protocols. The organization remains resolute in its mission to ensure everyone requiring treatment has access to effective and affordable options.

Conclusion

The advancements in pricing and access for pretomanid are not just numbers reflecting financial optimizations but represent a heartfelt commitment to combat one of the world’s most persistent infectious diseases. By closing the gap of accessibility, TB Alliance and its partners are moving a step closer to ending the TB pandemic, thereby advancing global health significantly. The story of pretomanid is one of hope and determination, setting a precedent for public health initiatives worldwide.