Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has formally launched Nafithromycin, the first antibiotic developed in India to combat resistant infections. This development marks a significant step in addressing the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The antibiotic, brought to market under the trade name Miqnaf by Wockhardt, was developed with the support of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a unit of the Department of Biotechnology. It is specifically designed to treat Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP), a severe illness caused by drug-resistant bacteria, which disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
Efficacy and Impact of Nafithromycin
Dr. Jitendra Singh described the three-day treatment regimen of Nafithromycin as a potential game-changer in addressing drug-resistant pneumonia, a condition responsible for over two million deaths globally each year. India bears 23% of the world’s community pneumonia burden and faces challenges with existing treatments, including widespread resistance to drugs like azithromycin. Clinical trials have validated that the new antibiotic is ten times more effective than azithromycin and achieves comparable outcomes with a three-day regimen.
Nafithromycin's efficacy stands out as it targets both typical and atypical pathogens. It offers a potent solution where no new antibiotic in its class has been developed worldwide for over three decades. Beyond its efficacy, Nafithromycin boasts superior safety and tolerability, with minimal gastrointestinal side effects, no significant drug interactions, and is unaffected by food, making it a versatile option for patients.
A Milestone in AMR Treatment
The development of Nafithromycin represents 14 years of dedicated research and an investment of ₹500 crores (approximately $60 million USD), with clinical trials conducted in the US, Europe, and India. Supported by BIRAC under its Biotechnology Industry Partnership Program (BIPP), the initiative showcases the power of public-private collaboration in advancing healthcare innovation. The drug is currently awaiting final approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for manufacturing and public use.
Addressing the Global AMR Crisis
Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the importance of addressing AMR, calling it a global crisis that prolongs illnesses and raises healthcare costs. He emphasized the critical role of innovation and collaboration in tackling this issue, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic had significantly increased public awareness of biotechnology and its potential. He urged the scientific community to leverage this momentum to drive further advancements in diagnostics, AMR surveillance, and new antibiotic research.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also praised the collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors that made the development of Nafithromycin possible, highlighting that this partnership model, which combines government support with private-sector innovation, is key to driving India’s leadership in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
Future Directions
The Minister highlighted the importance of sustained investment in research and development, particularly in the field of AMR. He emphasized that the government’s proactive approach to fostering innovation, alongside its focus on strengthening the healthcare infrastructure, will play a crucial role in addressing the global AMR crisis. Dr. Jitendra Singh stressed the need for continued collaboration between research institutions, the pharmaceutical industry, and government bodies to ensure that India remains at the forefront of global efforts to combat drug-resistant infections.
