Sanofi announced the launch of a new 24-count tablet pack of Priftin (rifapentine) for the treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in patients two years of age and older who are at high risk of progression to tuberculosis (TB) disease.

The new 24-count package is tailored for use in the treatment of LTBI and represents one month of Priftin for most patients. The new 24-count packaging features individual tablet printing on the backing foil with individually perforated tablet blisters, and has an extended shelf-life of up to three years.

A person with LTBI is infected with the bacteria that cause TB, but does not feel sick, have symptoms, and cannot spread the bacteria to others. The World Health Organisation estimates up to 13 million people in the US have LTBI, and about five to 10 per cent of them will develop TB disease if not treated. Alarmingly, if not treated, one person with active TB can infect on average 10 to 15 people.

Sanofi also announced the introduction of 32-count blister package of Priftin which is tailored for use in the treatment of active TB. The new packaging features individual tablet printing on the backing foil with individually perforated tablet blisters, and an extended shelf life of up to three years.

"For more than fifty years, Sanofi has provided treatment and programs that equip patients and their healthcare providers to fight TB," stated Paul Chew, M.D., Sanofi global chief medical officer.  "We are proud to introduce packaging and extended shelf-life that reinforces our sustained commitment to the TB community."

Priftin is an antimycobacterial that was first approved in the United States in 1998, in combination with one or more antituberculosis drugs for the treatment of active pulmonary TB caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In December 2014, Sanofi announced the FDA approval of Priftin in combination with isoniazide (INH) for the treatment of LTBI caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in patients at high risk of progression to tuberculosis disease.

Sanofi's ongoing collaboration with nonprofits like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Tuberculosis Controllers Association highlight the importance of public-private partnerships to address public health challenges and develop much needed treatments. Sanofi has a long-standing history in the fight against TB and believes that the availability of new Priftin packaging reinforces its commitment to patients.