Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the foremost causes of death and disability in developing countries. It is a curable disease, and yet it claims about 1.5 million lives each year. Developing countries are facing the growing threat of drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) which is known for long and complex treatment regimens. Some of the older drugs for DR-TB have hideous side-effects such as permanent hearing loss and neurosis. New DR-TB drugs are safer to use and can drastically change the quality of life for patients. However, these treatments are widely patented, with multiple patents on different forms and uses. This prolongs monopoly on the medicines and keep prices high for a long period.
In this context, the Third World Network and the People’s Health Movement organised a webinar to discuss challenges in accessing affordable TB treatments and new drugs in the pipeline.
The webinar recording can be watched here.