22 Nov 2024 • In a landmark moment during World AMR Awareness Week, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh formally launched Nafithromycin, India’s first indigenously developed antibiotic to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Backed by 14 years of research and ₹500 crore in investment through BIRAC, the drug is the first in its class globally in over 30 years.

• Designed to treat Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP), this new option is positioned to be more effective than current options and offers a safer, faster, and more tolerable solution for patients, claimed the drug developers.
• Remarkably, it is ten times more effective than azithromycin and achieves comparable outcomes with just a three-day regimen, as validated by clinical trials.
• The antibiotic has minimal gastrointestinal side effects, no significant drug interactions, and remains unaffected by food, making it a versatile option for patients.
• With the potential to target both typical and atypical pathogens and its ability to overcome existing resistance mechanisms, Nafithromycin rises as a beacon of hope in the current fight against AMR.

Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that the drug is now awaiting final approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for manufacturing and public use.

Source: PIB | Read full story