Nafithromycin: First indigenously discovered antibiotic
The Union Science and Technology Minister informed that India has developed its first indigenously discovered antibiotic, Nafithromycin.
- Nafithromycin is an antibiotic which has been developed with the support of “Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council” (BIRAC).
- It has been brought to market under the trade name “Miqnaf”.
- It is the first molecule entirely conceptualized, developed and clinically validated in India.
- It is the country’s first indigenously developed antibiotic aimed at tackling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
- It is effective against resistant respiratory infections, particularly useful for cancer patients and poorly controlled diabetics.
- This innovation is designed to treat Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP).
- Nafithromycin’s efficacy stands out as it targets both typical and atypical pathogens, offering a potent solution where no new antibiotic in this class has been developed worldwide for over three decades.
- Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) It occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines.
- As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines become ineffective and infections become difficult or impossible to treat.
