Oral Regimens for Rifampin-Resistant, Fluoroquinolone-Susceptible Tuberculosis

This phase 3, multinational, open-label, noninferiority trial called endTB assessed five all-oral 9-month regimens for treating fluoroquinolone-susceptible, rifampin-resistant tuberculosis. The study compared these regimens to the WHO-recommended standard therapy. Among 754 enrolled participants across seven countries, four experimental regimens (BCLLfxZ, BLMZ, BDLLfxZ, DCMZ) were found to be noninferior in efficacy, achieving favorable outcomes in over 80% of patients by week 73. The incidence of serious adverse events was comparable across groups, with hepatotoxicity being the most common severe side effect. These findings support broader adoption of shorter, bedaquiline-based, all-oral treatment options across diverse populations, including pregnant women and children.

This phase 3, multinational, open-label, noninferiority trial called endTB assessed five all-oral 9-month regimens for treating fluoroquinolone-susceptible, rifampin-resistant tuberculosis. The study compared these regimens to the WHO-recommended standard therapy. Among 754 enrolled participants across seven countries, four experimental regimens (BCLLfxZ, BLMZ, BDLLfxZ, DCMZ) were found to be noninferior in efficacy, achieving favorable outcomes in over 80% of patients by week 73. The incidence of serious adverse events was comparable across groups, with hepatotoxicity being the most common severe side effect. These findings support broader adoption of shorter, bedaquiline-based, all-oral treatment options across diverse populations, including pregnant women and children.