Struggling To Afford Bedaquiline (Sirturo®) For MDR TB? Here Is How You Can Access It Affordably In Your Country

Summary - This blog offers the most recent information as of November 2025, regarding the use of bedaquiline for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. When branded Sirturo® is too expensive or not available locally, it explains legal ways to obtain reasonably priced generic Bedaquiline. It also answers questions about cost, safety, insurance challenges, personal importation, and how MedsPartner helps patients worldwide.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is one of the hardest forms of TB to treat. It affects several people in the United States and many other countries every year. Standard TB medicines no longer work against this resistant strain, which makes treatment more complicated and inconvenient. Many patients used to spend up to 24 months on painful injections and still had only a 50 per cent chance of successful recovery.

Bedaquiline changed that. It is the first new TB drug in more than 40 years and plays a key role in modern six-month all-oral regimens such as BPaL and BPaLM. Treatment success has improved to nearly 90%  in many real-world programs. Patients no longer rely on long hospital stays and harsh injectable drugs.

The challenge for many families in countries like the United States is the high price of the branded medicine. Sirturo® can cost over $20,000 for a full six-month course, and insurance companies frequently refuse or postpone coverage. However, reliable generic versions of Bedaquiline made in India are now available to patients for a much lower price. MedsPartner supports safe personal importation with full documentation and compliance. This guide helps patients understand how to continue MDR TB treatment without financial distress.

What is Bedaquiline Sirturo® and how does it work for MDR TB?

Bedaquiline is a diarylquinoline antimycobacterial medicine. It blocks an enzyme called ATP synthase, which is essential for the TB bacteria to produce energy. As a result, it kills the TB bacteria. Unlike older TB medicines, it directly targets a unique mechanism and remains effective against resistant strains.

It is always used with other TB medicines and never alone. It has helped improve outcomes in patients who earlier had very limited options.

Latest updates on MDR TB treatment and Bedaquiline access

1. WHO recommends shorter six-month oral regimens, including Bedaquiline, in updated 2025 guidelines

2. Patent expiry in India has enabled multiple generic manufacturers to enter the market

3. Global studies continue to report high success rates above 85 per cent with BPaLM regimens

4. Lower prices have made treatment accessible in more than 135 countries

These developments have increased access and reduced treatment delays for many families.

Why is branded Sirturo® so expensive in the United States?

Sirturo® is classified as an orphan drug because MDR TB is rare in the United States compared to other countries. That allows the manufacturer to set high prices. Patent protection created limited competition for many years. Speciality tier placement on insurance formularies also results in high copays and prior authorisation delays.

Even those with insurance frequently have to pay between $3,000 and $5,000 out of pocket each month. These expenses are intolerable for many patients and families.

Sirturo® price relief programs exist, but not everyone qualifies

Some patients may receive help from the Johnson and Johnson patient assistance program. Others rely on state TB programs. Eligibility criteria are strict, and documentation takes time. Many patients cannot wait when a serious infection is progressing inside the body.

That is when they look for affordable generics from approved international manufacturers.

Can patients legally import generic Bedaquiline from India?

Yes. With a valid prescription, patients can import up to three months' worth of prescription meds for personal use under personal importation laws in many countries. It must not be intended for sale. Documentation must be as per your country’s laws to clear customs. MedsPartner guides patients through every step and ensures compliance with local laws.

Is generic Bedaquiline from MedsPartner safe and effective?

Yes. Generic versions contain the same active ingredient at the same strength as Sirturo®. They are bioequivalent and provide the same clinical benefits. MedsPartner sources only from FDA or EMA-approved manufacturers that supply global programs. Every batch undergoes strict checks before shipment.

Patients trust MedsPartner for safe access and we have a 4.2-star rating on TrustPilot.

How much does generic Bedaquiline cost compared to branded Sirturo®?

A six-month supply of branded Sirturo® (100 mg, 188 tabs) typically costs USD 29,000 in the United States, with no generic option available locally. In comparison, MedsPartner offers the same dose and quantity of high-quality generic Bedaquiline for USD 390, offering patients more than 95% in savings.

How MedsPartner helped a Bulgarian patient access affordable Bedaquiline

Rick (39) from Bulgaria was diagnosed with MDR TB in early 2025. His doctor recommended BPaL therapy, including Bedaquiline. The pharmacy bill for just one month of the branded drug Sirturo® was quoted at more than USD 2600 (translating to USD 15830 for a six-month supply). The patient's insurance denied coverage, citing eligibility clauses.

The family contacted MedsPartner after finding testimonials online. With the patient's valid prescription, MedsPartner arranged a compliant import of generic Bedaquiline from an FDA-approved manufacturer in India. The first three-month supply arrived within two weeks with full tracking. Rick’s family saved thousands of dollars, and treatment started without delay.

The patient's spouse shared their relief, “We finally felt supported. The process was clear and safe, and we were treated with respect throughout. We could not have afforded treatment without MedsPartner.”

Stories like this show why timely access matters.

Answering your FAQs on Bedaquiline cost, safety, and access

Q1. Is generic Bedaquiline as effective as Sirturo®?

A. Yes. Generic Bedaquiline offers the same strength, safety profile and similar outcomes as the branded med because the active ingredient is the same. It is trusted in WHO-supported programs and meets regulatory standards.

Q2. What if my insurance denies coverage for Sirturo®?

A. This is common due to specialty tier rules. You can appeal with a letter of medical need, but that takes time. Many patients choose to import affordable generic Bedaquiline through MedsPartner while insurance review is ongoing.

Q3. I am a doctor. How can I order generic Bedaquiline for my patients?

A. MedsPartner supports certified medical practitioners who are attempting to assist patients in obtaining necessary medicines that are either unavailable locally or too costly. You can write to MedsPartner with a legitimate prescription and a concise medical explanation if you are a physician treating MDR TB patients who require affordable access to generic bedaquiline. Our team will assist with the supply of medications directly to your patients.

Q4. Why does generic Bedaquiline from MedsPartner cost far less than branded Sirturo®?

A. Branded Sirturo® carries the cost of discovery, clinical studies, and years of patent protection. Once those exclusivities relax or licensed manufacturers are allowed to produce it, generic drug manufacturers can make the same active ingredient at a much lower production cost. This brings down the price while maintaining equivalent quality, safety, and clinical effectiveness.

Q5. How does MedsPartner confirm the quality of Bedaquiline before it is shipped?

A. MedsPartner has a rigorous quality assurance process-

• Generic Bedaquiline is sourced only from licensed, internationally accredited manufacturers (FDA/EMA approved).
• Each batch undergoes authenticity, packaging, and documentation checks prior to dispatch.
• Shipments include manufacturer details, batch information, invoices, and traceability documents required by customs.

Q6. What does the personal import process look like for ordering generic Bedaquiline from MedsPartner?

A. The import workflow is designed to be simple and guided-

1.  The patient provides a valid prescription and other necessary docs.

2. MedsPartner reviews the rules for personal import in the patient’s country.

3. The medicine is sourced from authorised manufacturers and packaged for export.

4. All customs documents are attached to the shipment.

5. Tracking details are shared so the patient can follow the parcel until delivery.

Q7. Are there other ways to access Bedaquiline?

A. Some countries have national TB programmes or donor-supported initiatives that provide Bedaquiline to eligible patients. These programmes often have strict entry criteria and limited slots. For those who do not qualify or cannot wait, personal import of generics through MedsPartner offers a quicker and more dependable route to therapy.

Affordable access to Bedaquiline is possible!

MDR TB can be frightening, but modern medicines have made recovery more achievable. Cost should not block access to proper care. With personal importation support, patients can begin treatment quickly without risking financial collapse.

MedsPartner has helped more than 30,000 patients worldwide obtain life-saving medicines safely. You can access high-quality generic Bedaquiline for a fraction of the cost of branded Sirturo®.

Looking to access Bedaquiline at an affordable price or need guidance on personal importation?

Write to us today to explore safe and affordable ways to purchase affordable versions of the medicines for MDR TB.

About the Author: Aayyush Goyal has a background in healthcare consulting and pharmaceutical supply chains, with over a decade of experience in drug pricing, regulatory policy, and patient rights. He has advised patients, advocacy groups, and healthcare providers across 40+ countries on safe and compliant access to essential medicines. Through MedsPartner, Aayyush has overseen more than 30,000 successful patient deliveries worldwide, ensuring affordability without compromising safety or legality. He is a recognized advocate for ethical sourcing, generic access, and cross-border care solutions, and has contributed insights on global drug access in healthcare forums, media publications, and patient support networks.