Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh formally launches India's first indigenously developed antibiotic, Nafithromycin, which has been designed to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The brand and its launch find a fitting time in World AMR Awareness Week as a landmark to India's battle against resistant infections caused by drugs. Developed in collaboration with the BIRAC, this first-time antibiotic addresses Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia, an illness that is severe in nature as it is caused by drug-resistant bacteria and affects children, the aged, and immuno compromised people more than others.

Dr. Jitendra Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for providing the necessary support and infrastructure to enable Indian researchers to achieve such milestones. He emphasized that it was only after 2014, with Modi’s intervention, that India’s biotechnology sector received the right kind of encouragement to explore its full potential.

Nafithromycin belongs to a category of drugs, touted under the name Miqnaf by pharmaceutical giant Wockhardt, as an innovative and groundbreaking solution against the escalating global challenge of AMR. Developed after 14 dedicated years of research and at the cost of ₹500 crore, it has been tested on human subjects in India, the U.S., and Europe. This antibiotic, therefore, brings about a new spectrum designed to combat drug resistance as it takes aim at the common and atypical pathogens that cause pneumonia. The disease burdens the global scenario with over two million deaths every year, and India contributes a share of 23% of the world's burden.

According to Singh, Nafithromycin is a game-changer, as the new drug stands out to be ten times more effective compared to azithromycin, one of the current treatments prescribed to patients. The antibiotic is a three-day regimen, hence faster, safer, and more tolerable to patients compared to the known current offerings. It is able to target typical and atypical pathogens, thus making it rather unique, since no newer antibiotic belonging to this class of antibiotics has been developed during the last three decades.

Apart from its effectiveness, Nafithromycin has fewer side effects and no major gastrointestinal disturbances or drug interactions, making it appealing for a wide range of patients. According to Dr Jitendra Singh, this new antibiotic is the first new chemical entity in its class in over 30 years and puts India at the forefront of addressing AMR across the globe.

Nafithromycin is an example of successful public-private cooperation, with BIRAC having been instrumental in the support extended to the project through its Biotechnology Industry Partnership Program (BIPP). The drug is at CDSCO for final clearances for manufacture and use in public. And once that happens, it is a big step forward in India's fight against AMR.

He further pointed out the growing need to tackle AMR as "a global crisis that prolongs illnesses, pushes up healthcare costs, and limits treatment options." He explained that the COVID-19 pandemic has raised public awareness about biotechnology and its potential for mitigating health crises. Dr. Singh requested further cooperation between the government, pharmaceutical industry, and research institutions to be innovative in countering AMR.

Dr. Jitendra Singh further stressed that Nafithromycin indicates the growing capability of India to develop indigenous solutions to the global health challenge. In his words, he asked stakeholders to invest more in research and development, specifically in AMR, so India can remain in the forefront of global efforts to win the battle against drug-resistant infections.

This product is indeed a footprint by India in science that can be contributed to world health. According to Dr. Singh, who had attended the launching ceremony, even bigger breakthroughs were to be seen in medicine, as Nafithromycin was just the onset of something more extensive regarding the development of life-saving drugs. He concluded by reiterating India's commitment to enhancing global health and building a healthier, more resilient future for all.

The event was attended by key stalwarts of the scientific community, such as Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary of DBT and Chairman of BIRAC; Dr. Habil Khorakiwala, Chairman of Wockhardt; and Dr. Y.K. Gupta, President of AIIMS, Jammu. Soft launch of Nafithromycin is thus a great reminder of India's leadership in tackling one of the most pressing health threats of our times.