India's first indigenous antibiotic, Nafithromycin, has been launched to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

National

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the soft launch of India’s first indigenous antibiotic, Nafithromycin, developed by the Mumbai-based pharmaceutical company Wolkardt. This development was supported by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a unit of the Department of Biotechnology, and aims to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).


      - Nafithromycin is designed to treat Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP), a serious illness caused by drug-resistant bacteria. It promises 10 times more effectiveness with just a 3-day treatment, offering a safer and faster solution compared to current antibiotics.

      - This drug will be marketed under the brand name "Miqnaf". It targets both typical and atypical pathogens. Clinical trials conducted in the U.S., Europe, and India have proven its safety and effectiveness.

     

Main Point :-   (i) India accounts for 23% of the global pneumonia burden and faces challenges with drug-resistant bacteria. Nafithromycin addresses these issues with minimal side effects and no major drug interactions, making it an important step in the fight against AMR (which prolongs illnesses and increases healthcare costs).

      (ii) This milestone showcases India’s growing innovation in biotechnology, supported by a Rs 500 crore investment and 14 years of research. It positions India as a global leader in healthcare advancements.


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