Greater Noida, India – Sharda Hospital, in collaboration with Sharda University's School of Medical Sciences & Research (SMSR) and School of Pharmacy, has launched India's first specialized Centre for Drug Quantification and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (CDQ-TDM). This pioneering center, opened around February 18-19, 2026, aims to revolutionize the treatment of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) by offering precise monitoring of critical anti-TB drugs. The facility is expected to enhance patient care across India.
Battling Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis
Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) remains a major public health crisis in India. This severe form of tuberculosis does not respond to the two most powerful first-line anti-TB drugs. Treating MDR-TB is complex and challenging for both patients and healthcare providers. Patients often endure lengthy treatment regimens, which can last for many months or even years. These regimens involve potent second-line drugs that can cause significant side effects. The varying ways patients absorb and metabolize these medicines further complicates treatment. Without precise management, patients risk not receiving enough medication to clear the infection or, conversely, receiving too much, leading to harmful side effects. This delicate balance is crucial, as improper dosing can also lead to the development of even more resistant strains, such as Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (XDR-TB), making the disease almost impossible to treat. India carries a substantial global burden of tuberculosis, including a high number of MDR-TB cases, underscoring the urgent need for advanced diagnostic and monitoring solutions.
A New Era of Precision Medicine
The newly established Centre for Drug Quantification and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (CDQ-TDM) marks a significant advancement in the fight against MDR-TB. Its primary function is to accurately detect and quantify the plasma levels of key second-line anti-tuberculosis drugs. These include crucial medications such as bedaquiline, linezolid, levofloxacin, and clofazimine. By measuring the exact concentration of these drugs in a patient's blood, doctors can move away from a "one-size-fits-all" approach to highly individualized, evidence-based precision medicine. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) is the process that allows doctors to ensure each patient receives the correct dosage. This means enough medicine to be effective against the infection, but not so much that it causes harm or adverse reactions. This precise control over drug levels is vital for optimizing treatment outcomes. Dr. Shoma Mukherjee, Principal Investigator and Head of the Department of Pharmacology, stated that the CDQ-TDM Centre represents a "transformative advancement in TB management" from both a research and clinical care perspective. She emphasized that quantifying drug concentrations enables clinicians to use actionable data to save lives more effectively.[drugtodayonline+1]
Advanced, Affordable Technology
The CDQ-TDM Centre is equipped with highly specialized analytical instruments, notably Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC). The facility has developed a cost-effective and reliable HPLC-based method for drug quantification. This is a crucial aspect, as advanced technologies like LC-MS are often associated with high operational costs and can be difficult to implement routinely, especially in diverse healthcare settings. By utilizing an accurate, reliable, and more affordable HPLC-based approach, the center ensures that optimized and individualized treatment for MDR-TB can be made accessible to a broader range of patient populations across India. This focus on affordability is vital for a country like India, where healthcare access and cost can be significant barriers. Dr. (Prof.) Nirupma Gupta, Dean of SMSR, highlighted that adopting a cost-effective HPLC-based technology reflects the institution's commitment to precision-driven and patient-centric healthcare, making accurate therapeutic drug monitoring accessible even in resource-constrained settings. She added that the center is not just a laboratory but a strategic step toward safer treatments, improved clinical outcomes, and stronger support for physicians managing complex MDR-TB cases.[biospectrumindia+15]
Collaborative Effort and National Vision
The establishment of this groundbreaking center is a result of a collaborative effort. It brings together the expertise of the School of Medical Sciences & Research (SMSR), the School of Pharmacy at Sharda University, and Sharda Hospital. The initiative has received significant funding support from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) under a research project grant. This backing from a national research body underscores the importance and potential impact of the center. The project is led by Dr. (Prof.) Shoma Mukherjee as the Principal Investigator and Head of the Department of Pharmacology, with Dr. (Prof.) Sandeep Kumar Shukla serving as the Co-Principal Investigator. University authorities, including Chancellor Shri P. K. Gupta, Pro-Chancellor Shri Y. K. Gupta, Vice Chancellor Dr. (Prof.) Sibaram Khara, Dean Research Dr. (Prof.) Bhuvnesh Kumar, and Medical Superintendent Dr. (Prof.) Ram Murti Sharma, have provided leadership for this initiative. The long-term vision for the CDQ-TDM Centre is ambitious: it aims to develop into a national referral center for testing and monitoring anti-TB drug levels. This would position Sharda Hospital as a key player in India's national strategy to combat tuberculosis.[biospectrumindia+15]
Improving Patient Outcomes and Compliance
The direct benefits of the CDQ-TDM Centre for patients with MDR-TB are substantial. By providing individualized and precise monitoring of drug levels, the center aims to significantly improve patient compliance with treatment regimens. When patients experience fewer severe side effects due to optimized dosages, they are more likely to complete their full course of medication. This improved adherence is critical in preventing treatment failure and reducing the risk of developing further drug resistance. Doctors can use the monitoring data to adjust dosages in real-time, ensuring that each patient receives a tailored treatment plan that is both effective and safe. This personalized approach minimizes the chances of drug toxicity, which can severely impact a patient's quality of life and lead to treatment interruptions. Conversely, it also prevents under-dosing, which can allow the bacteria to continue multiplying and developing stronger resistance. The center reinforces national efforts to control tuberculosis more effectively.
The launch of the Centre for Drug Quantification and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring represents a crucial step forward in India's ongoing battle against Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis, promising more accurate and patient-focused care.[drugtodayonline+1]
