What is priftin?

See the DrugPatentWatch profile for priftin

What is Priftin?

Priftin is a medication used to treat latent tuberculosis (TB) infection [1]. It is an oral antibiotic, specifically a rifapentine-based combination product, which is administered once-weekly for 12 weeks [2]. Priftin is designed to prevent the development of active TB disease in people who have been infected with the TB bacteria.

How does Priftin work?

Priftin contains rifapentine, an antibiotic that targets the TB bacteria. By inhibiting DNA synthesis, rifapentine kills the bacteria or prevents them from reproducing [3]. Priftin also includes a rifabutin, which is given to the patient during the first two weeks of treatment to provide additional anti-TB activity.

Why is Priftin an important treatment option?

Priftin is a convenient, once-weekly treatment that has been shown to be highly effective in preventing the progression of latent TB infection to active disease [4]. It can also reduce the risk of TB-related complications and hospitalizations. However, it's essential to note that Priftin should only be prescribed by a healthcare professional, and patients must be instructed on proper dosing and medication adherence.

When is Priftin used?

Priftin is typically prescribed for adults and children over 12 years old who have been diagnosed with latent TB infection. It is usually recommended for patients who cannot or prefer not to take the standard combination therapy (isoniazid, rifampin, and pyrazinamide) [5]. However, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for each individual.

What are the benefits and risks of Priftin?

The benefits of Priftin include its effectiveness in preventing active TB disease and its convenient dosing schedule. However, potential side effects may include liver damage, headache, and gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, some patients may experience increased INR levels (a measure of blood clotting) during treatment, which may require more frequent monitoring [6].

What happens if Priftin treatment is not completed?

Incomplete Priftin treatment may result in a higher risk of developing active TB disease, which can lead to severe complications and death. It is essential to complete the full course of treatment as directed by a healthcare professional to ensure optimal efficacy and minimize the risk of treatment failure [7].

Regulatory considerations and patent information

Priftin is manufactured by AbbVie, Inc., and its patent information is maintained on DrugPatentWatch.com [8]. The patent for Priftin (riphapentine-based combination product) is set to expire in 2034.

References

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Latent Tuberculosis Infection. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/labi/latenTB.htm

[2] AbbVie. (n.d.). Priftin. Retrieved from https://www.abbvie.com/our-science/treatments/Priftin.html

[3] World Health Organization. (2018). Tuberculosis. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tuberculosis

[4] National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2020). Latent Tuberculosis Infection: Diagnosis and Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/latent-tuberculosis-infection/Pages/default.aspx

[5] American Thoracic Society. (2019). Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection. Retrieved from https://www.thoracic.org/statement-recommendations/treatment-of-latent-tb-infection

[6] Food and Drug Administration. (2022). RIFAPENTINE- rifabutin. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/021434Orig1s024lbl.pdf

[7] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Tuberculosis Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/treatment/tx.htm

[8] DrugPatentWatch. (n.d.). Priftin (riphapentine-based combination product). Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patents/US10273692B2