New drugs in resistant tuberculosis.

The World Health Organization estimates that up to 50 million persons worldwide may be infected with drug resistant strains of TB. The fatality rate of MDR-TB is 20-80%. Drug resistant tuberculosis cases are on the rise in Pakistan. The reasons for this menace are multiple including improper prescription, compliance and over the counter sale of anti-TB drugs. The treatment cost of drug-resistant TB is high, both to the individual patient and society. This article is written to create awareness about the available second line drugs and those in the pipeline. Considering the fact that resistant tuberculosis is difficult to manage, it is suggested that these drugs should only be used after consultation with a physician experienced in the treatment of drug resistant TB. The most frequent mistake made by treating physicians is addition of one drug in the failing regimen. At present, 27 potential anti-TB drugs are at various stages of development. The aim is that by 2010 at least one of these molecules completes the journey and should come in the market.