New Fixed-Dose Combinations for the Treatment of TB in Children

Until recently, there was no appropriate first-line TB treatment designed for children. However, after sustained advocacy and new investment, now child-friendly formulations that do not need to be cut or crushed to achieve an appropriate dose are available, offering the opportunity to simplify and improve treatment for children everywhere.

The formulations were developed in line with the revised dosing published in the 2014 WHO Guidance on childhood TB through a project led by TB Alliance and WHO (Essential Medicines and Health Products department and the Global TB Programme), and funded by UNITAID and USAID.

The fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) are not new drugs, but rather improved formulations of currently used medicines recommended for the first line treatment of TB.