How effective is Delamanid?

The effects of Delamanid were observed in a major study involving 481 adults with pulmonary tuberculosis that was resistant to standard treatments. Patients in the study received either delamanid or a placebo (a dummy treatment) for 2 months in addition to other treatments. The main measure of effectiveness is the proportion of patients whose sputum no longer contains bacteria.

After 2 months of treatment, more than 40% of patients taking delamanid no longer had bacteria in their sputum, compared with only 30% of patients taking a placebo. After completion of the main study, patients will have the option of receiving delamanid for 6 months in the extension study. In addition, most patients who entered the main study were followed for up to 24 months. Combining the results of these follow-up studies, 2 years after starting treatment, 75% of patients who received delamanid for 6 months or longer had no bacteria in their sputum, compared with 55% of patients who received delamanid for 2 months or less. Additional data suggests the drug is equally effective in children (including infants) and adults.

The original drug Delamani has been launched in China and is included in the scope of Class B medical insurance. Reimbursement is limited to patients with multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis. Specifications The price of each box of 50mg*60 tablets may be around RMB 6,000. The price of the Russian version of the original drug Dramani, 50mg*48 tablets, sold overseas may be around RMB 1,000-2,000 per box (the price may fluctuate due to the exchange rate). There is currently no generic version of Dramani available on the market. For more drug information and specific prices, please consult Yaode’s medical consultant.