Centre releases three-drug regimen for treating leprosy

Last Updated26/01/2024

The Indian government recently gave its approval for a new treatment regimen for leprosy, with the goal of halting transmission at the sub-national level by 2027.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has received approval from the competent authority to implement a three-drug regimen for Pauci-Bacillary (PB) cases.
- The three-drug regimen for PB cases will replace the existing two-drug regimen for six months.
The shift is based on the latest globally accepted scientific research studies and evidence-based practices.
The revised classification and treatment regimen for PB and multi-bacillary (MB) cases will be effective from April 1, 2025.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) will supply the revised drug regimen from April 1, 2025.
All states and union territories have been instructed to requisition anti-leprosy drugs 12 months in advance.

Concerns have been raised about potential side effects, with clofazimine causing a distinctive red coloration of the skin.
Healthcare experts argue that the two-drug regimen has adequate efficacy, and the addition of a third drug may not be strictly necessary.

Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, is a chronic infectious disease.
The disease predominantly affects the skin and peripheral nerves. Left untreated, the disease may cause progressive and permanent disabilities.
It is more common in tropical and subtropical areas.
It is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) which still occurs in more than 120 countries, with more than 200 000 new cases reported each year.
It is known to occur at all ages ranging from early childhood to old age.
Transmission: Through droplets from the nose and mouth during close contact with untreated cases.
Symptoms
- Disfiguring skin sores, lumps, or bumps that don’t go away after several weeks or months.
- Nerve damage can lead to loss of feeling in the arms and legs; and muscle weakness
The WHO-recommended treatment regimen, known as multi-drug therapy (MDT), includes three drugs viz. dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine.