Nafithromycin Antibiotic

Source: This post on Nafithromycin Antibiotic has been created based on the article “Dr. Jitendra Singh announces soft launch of India’s First Indigenous Antibiotic, Nafithromycin, to Combat Drug Resistance” 
published in PIB on 21st November 2024.

Why in news?

India’s first indigenous antibiotic, Nafithromycin, was launched to address drug resistance challenges.

About the antibiotic

1. Developed By: Created with support from Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a unit of the Department of Biotechnology.

2, Market Name: Introduced as “Miqnaf” by Wockhardt Pharmaceuticals.

3. Target Condition: Designed to combat Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP), caused by drug-resistant bacteria.

Features of Nafithromycin

1. The first new antibiotic in its class developed worldwide in over three decades.

2. Enhanced Efficacy: It is10 times more effective than azithromycin. It achieves comparable results with a three-day treatment regimen.

3. Wide Pathogen Coverage: It is effective against both typical and atypical bacteria and can overcomes existing drug resistance mechanisms.

4. Safety and Tolerability: It has minimal gastrointestinal side effects, no significant drug interactions ansd is unaffected by food, enhancing patient convenience.

Significance of Nafithromycin

1. Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): It offers a solution to combat multi-drug-resistant pathogens. It also addresses a critical global health challenge responsible for prolonged illnesses and increased healthcare costs.

2. Global Impact: Pneumonia causes over two million deaths annually, with India bearing 23% of the global burden. Nafithromycin provides hope for reducing mortality and healthcare strain.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology