Cipla has launched ZEMDRI (Plazomicin) in India, introducing a novel treatment option for complicated Urinary Tract Infections (cUTI), including pyelonephritis. This strategic launch aims to address the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which poses a significant threat to global public health.
ZEMDRI is a new intravenous aminoglycoside indicated for adult patients (18 years and older) suffering from cUTIs caused by susceptible microorganisms, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, and Enterobacter cloacae.
Addressing a Critical Healthcare Need
Urinary tract infections represent a substantial global health burden, affecting approximately 150 million patients annually. These infections become complicated (cUTIs) when they occur in patients with underlying structural or functional abnormalities of the urinary tract, such as kidney stones or diabetes.
The emergence of drug-resistant uropathogens has created significant challenges in UTI management, necessitating new treatment approaches. ZEMDRI's introduction comes at a critical time as antimicrobial resistance continues to rise globally, with particularly concerning rates in India.
Umang Vohra, Managing Director and Global CEO of Cipla, emphasized the significance of this launch: "The introduction of Plazomicin in India marks an important milestone in introducing treatments for healthcare crises of the future. We are proud to be the first pharmaceutical company to launch ZEMDRI in India."
Clinical Evidence and Efficacy
The approval of ZEMDRI was supported by robust data from the EPIC (Evaluating Plazomicin In cUTI) clinical trial—the first randomized controlled study of once-daily aminoglycoside therapy for treating cUTI, including pyelonephritis.
Notably, Plazomicin has demonstrated promising activity against Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), which represents a key challenge in managing resistant infections in India. To address specific regional needs, Cipla has generated India-specific pathogen data, with Plazomicin showing encouraging activity against Indian multi-drug resistant (MDR) isolates, including those expressing PBP-3 inserts.
"Cipla has always recognized the need for addressing the growing challenge of AMR," stated Dr. Jaideep Gogtay, Global Chief Medical Officer at Cipla. "With the introduction of ZEMDRI, Cipla fortifies its commitment to pioneering antimicrobial innovation and ensuring better outcomes for patients with drug-resistant infections. The launch will provide access to a novel targeted treatment for cUTI caused by multi-drug resistant organisms and provide physicians with a new once-daily treatment option."
Regulatory Recognition
ZEMDRI's development has received significant regulatory acknowledgment in the United States. Cipla USA, a subsidiary of Cipla, holds the patent for Plazomicin sulphate (ZEMDRI). The drug has received Fast Track Status (2012), Qualified Infection Disease Product (QIDP, 2015), and Breakthrough Therapy Designation (2017) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, highlighting its importance in addressing serious infections.
Commitment to Antimicrobial Stewardship
This launch aligns with Cipla's broader commitment to developing a comprehensive antimicrobial portfolio. The company is actively forging partnerships with thought leaders and industry alliances to ensure global access to antimicrobial drugs.
As resistance to existing antibiotics continues to grow, novel treatments like ZEMDRI represent critical additions to the therapeutic arsenal against multi-drug resistant infections. For healthcare providers in India, this new once-daily treatment option offers an important alternative for patients with complicated urinary tract infections, particularly those caused by resistant pathogens.
