Challenges associated with dapsone for leprosy treatment in Indonesia - urgent need for access to alternative antimicrobial drugs.
expert_opinion · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 40084155.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1016/j.lansea.2025.100555 and PMC identifier 11905890.
- Licence recorded as CC BY.
- The licence permits redistribution, so the abstract is shown in full and the full text is available from the publisher.
Abstract
Leprosy is effectively treated with multi-drug therapy (MDT), a regimen containing three antibiotic drugs, including dapsone - a sulfone drug associated with potentially life-threatening adverse drug reactions. Specifically, dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome (DHS), linked to HLA-B∗13:01 polymorphism, and hemolytic anemia associated with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDd). Both of these pharmacogenetic polymorphisms can be prevented through diagnostic screening before MDT initiation averting potential complications. However, in leprosy-endemic areas like Indonesia, access to these tests often remains inaccessible due to high costs and limited laboratory capacity. Additionally, alternative dapsone-sparing treatment regimens are usually unavailable or unaffordable, restraining individuals onto suboptimal dual-therapy with rifampicin and clofazimine, which has uncertain efficacy. We raise concerns regarding the safety of dapsone-containing MDT without routine pharmacogenetic screening and the unavailability of alternative regimens. We call for action to address persisting global health inequities in care delivery, ensuring all individuals receive the safest and most effective leprosy treatment options.