Tuberculosis drug designed for children nears market

The new, sweeter tablets are provided in a smaller child-friendly dosage, meaning parents do not have to chop up adult tablets and guess at doses

A tuberculosis drug specifically designed for children - combining sweet flavours and the correct dosage in a dissolvable tablet - is expected to hit markets early this year, according to the TB Alliance, a non-governmental organisation.

The tablets, which were developed through a partnership between the TB Alliance, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the US government, are meant to improve drug regime adherence among children in the developing world. The drug is not new, but will be an improved combination of existing TB treatments such as rifampicin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide, specifically designed for children.