Recently, India launched its first indigenously developed antibiotic “Nafithromycin”, aimed at tackling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

  • The antibiotic was developed with the support of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a unit of the Department of Biotechnology.
  • It has been brought to market under the trade name “Miqnaf” by pharma company Wolkardt.
  • Nafithromycin is designed to treat Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP), a severe illness caused by drug-resistant bacteria, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and immune-compromised individuals, including those with diabetes and cancer.
  • Nafithromycin is a game-changer in tackling Drug-Resistant Pneumonia, responsible for over 2 million deaths globally each year.
  • India, whichbears 23% of the world’s community pneumonia burden, faces challenges with drug resistance to drugs like azithromycin.
  • Benefits of Nafithromycin –
    • 10 times more effective than current treatments (azithromycin).
    • Proven to be effective with only 3-day treatment regimen.
    • Targets both typical and atypical pathogens.
    • Minimal gastrointestinal side effects, no significant drug interactions, and remains unaffected by food, making it a versatile option for patients.
  • Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
    • AMR poses a growing threat to the effective prevention and treatment of a wide range of infections caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungi.
    • AMR occurs when these microorganisms evolve over time and no longer respond to medications, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of transmission, severe illness, and death. As a result, treatments become ineffective, and infections persist in the body, raising the risk of spreading to others.
    • Antimicrobials (antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics) are used to prevent and treat infections in humans, animals, and plants.
    • Microorganisms that develop resistance to these drugs are often referred to as “superbugs.”
  • World Pneumonia Day – 12 November
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