Why in news?
India’s biotechnology community recently celebrated the development of Nafithromycin, a new antibiotic discovered and developed within the country. Announced through a government–industry partnership, Nafithromycin marks the first time India has brought a completely indigenous antibiotic to market. It is being highlighted as a home‑grown tool against antimicrobial resistance, especially for respiratory infections that are becoming harder to treat.
Background
Nafithromycin belongs to the macrolide class of antibiotics, similar to azithromycin, but it has been optimised through collaborative research between Indian scientists and industry. Developed under the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), the drug was first launched for doctors in November 2024. It provides a short, three‑day treatment for community‑acquired bacterial pneumonia and other respiratory infections.
What makes Nafithromycin important?
- Addresses resistant infections: Nafithromycin has been designed to overcome bacterial strains that no longer respond to older macrolides. It targets both typical and atypical pathogens responsible for pneumonia and is effective against many drug‑resistant strains.
- Shorter course: Unlike older antibiotics that require 5–7 days of therapy, Nafithromycin is taken once daily for just three days. This improves patient compliance and reduces the chance of incomplete treatment.
- Indian innovation: The drug was discovered, developed and clinically validated entirely in India through a partnership between BIRAC, academia and the pharmaceutical firm Wockhardt. Authorities see it as proof that India can create sophisticated new drugs rather than relying on imports.
- Tool against antimicrobial resistance: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses and fungi evolve to withstand medicines. Misuse of antibiotics accelerates this process, making infections harder to treat. By providing an effective new option, Nafithromycin may help doctors manage resistant respiratory infections and reduce the misuse of older drugs.
What is antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?
AMR arises when microbes evolve mechanisms to survive exposure to the drugs designed to kill them. As antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines are overused or misused, some organisms adapt and become “superbugs” that standard treatments can’t defeat. This can lead to longer illnesses, higher treatment costs and an increased risk of death. Global health agencies warn that AMR could undermine modern medicine if new drugs and better stewardship are not adopted.
Source: NEWS ON AIR · Press Information Bureau (Oct 2025 release)