Introducing bedaquiline: experiences from the Challenge TB Project

BACKGROUND: Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) remains a global public health crisis. In 2013, the World Health Organization recommended the introduction of bedaquiline (BDQ) for eligible DR-TB patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review and analyses of project reports from 2016 to mid-2019 on the processes, activities implemented, available results on enrolment and interim treatment outcomes, across the 23 Challenge TB (CTB) supported countries. RESULTS: Initial introduction of BDQ-containing regimens in the 23 CTB-supported countries took on average 2 years, with subsequent nation-wide scale-up achieved in Ethiopia and Kyrgyzstan within a short time period. Successful implementation required critical interventions including advocacy, revision of policies and guidelines, capacity building of health care workers, and strengthening of laboratory networks. The number of countries providing BDQ increased from 9 to 23; 9398 patients were enrolled on bedaquiline containing regimens; 71% were culture-negative after 6 months of treatment; and the number of countries reporting serious adverse events increased (from 5 to 18). Major challenges included limited in-country coordination with drug regulatory agencies, unrealistic quantification and drug ordering, weak laboratory networks and reporting systems for drug safety. CONCLUSION: BDQ introduction required a systematic and programmatic approach. The initial time investment helped achieve initial introduction and scale-up of coverage, ownership and sustainability by National TB Programmes.