Nafithromycin: India’s First Indigenous Antibiotic Is Here, Targets Drug-Resistant Pneumonia – News18

Last Updated:December 02, 2024, 22:42 IST

Nafithromycin, marketed under the trade name Miqnaf, marks a significant milestone in India’s fight against antimicrobial resistance

A solution to the global problem of excessive prescription of and dependence on antibiotics may be here. And, it could be a ray of hope for India – the largest consumer of these drugs due to poor quality prescription and the ease of buying them over the counter, as per a health survey.

According to a draft note accessed by News18, India’s first indigenous antibiotic is ready to roll. Nafithromycin, marketed under the trade name Miqnaf, marks a significant milestone in India’s fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Indian health experts have a reason to be enthusiastic about this drug, which is an innovative antibiotic developed indigenously by Wockhardt with critical support from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) under the department of biotechnology.

It addresses the global health crisis of AMR by targeting community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP), a condition responsible for more than two million deaths annually.

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Here is all you need to know:

• Efficacy: Nafithromycin is 10 times more effective than azithromycin and achieves comparable outcomes with a shortened three-day regimen.
• Targets pathogens: It effectively treats both typical and atypical drug-resistant bacteria. It is an oral drug developed with the aim of tackling community respiratory infections.
• Safety: Superior tolerability with minimal side effects and no significant drug interactions.
• Global recognition: This is the first antibiotic of its class developed globally in more than 30 years.

The drug has undergone extensive clinical trials in the United States of America, Europe, and India over 14 years, supported by an investment of Rs 500 crore. At present, it awaits final manufacturing approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).

Experts said nafithromycin is considered to be especially effective in treating drug-resistant pneumonia with a cure rate of 96.7 per cent. It is 10 times more potent than azithromycin, and a safer, faster and more tolerable solution for patients. It is all set to be integrated into the prime minister’s flagship Ayushman Bharat scheme so that it is easily accessible for all.

The drug stands as a testament to India’s growing capabilities in biotechnology, exemplifying how public-private collaboration can deliver life-saving innovations. As AMR escalates at a global level, this breakthrough positions India at the forefront of addressing a critical healthcare challenge.

This achievement aligns with the central government’s vision of self-reliance and leadership in biotechnology, fostering hope for future advancements in AMR solutions.