India has launched the first indigenous antibiotic for drug-resistant infections. The drug marketed under the trade name Miqnaf, has been developed indigenously by Wockhardt, with critical support from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).
Drug-resistant pneumonia causes over two million deaths worldwide. India, accounting for 23 per cent of the global community pneumonia cases, struggles with treatment challenges, including rising resistance to drugs like azithromycin.
According to the Ministry of Science & Technology, Nafithromycin is 10 times more effective than azithromycin and achieves comparable outcomes with a shortened three-day regimen.
It effectively treats both typical and atypical drug-resistant bacteria. It is an oral drug developed with the aim of tackling community respiratory infections.
Developed in India after 14 years of research and an investment of Rs 500 crore, Nafithromycin is designed to tackle multi-drug-resistant pathogens. This drug stands as testament to India’s growing capabilities in biotechnology, exemplifying how public-private collaboration can deliver life-saving innovations. As antimicrobial resistance escalates globally, this breakthrough positions India at the forefront of addressing a critical healthcare
