Wockhardt shares surge nearly 5% after CDSCO approval for revolutionary antibiotic Miqnaf

Shares of Wockhardt Limited climbed by nearly 5% to ₹1,515 after the company announced the approval of its novel oral antibiotic, Miqnaf® (Nafithromycin), by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). The antibiotic has been authorized for the treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) in adults, marking a major milestone in antibiotic therapy and resistance management.

Key Features of Miqnaf®:

• Ultra-Short Regimen: A three-day, once-daily oral treatment that enhances patient compliance and reduces the complexity of treatment protocols.
• Combatting Resistance: Effectiveness against multi-drug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, including pneumococci that have shown resistance to widely-used antibiotics such as azithromycin and amoxicillin/clavulanate.
• Broad Spectrum: Coverage extends to community respiratory pathogens and atypical bacteria like Mycoplasma and Legionella, potentially replacing intravenous hospital treatments with oral alternatives.
• Historic Development: Miqnaf® is the first macrolide-based therapy for CABP introduced in India in nearly three decades.

Addressing India’s Public Health Challenge:

India accounts for 23% of the global burden of CABP, with rising antibiotic resistance frequently leading to hospitalizations and escalating healthcare costs. Miqnaf® provides a vital oral solution to combat these challenges, reducing dependence on hospital-based care and improving accessibility.

Wockhardt’s Leadership in Antibiotic Discovery:

The approval underscores Wockhardt’s global leadership in the fight against superbugs. Over the past 25 years, the company has pioneered antibiotic research, with six products granted Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) status by the US FDA. Miqnaf® further solidifies Wockhardt’s commitment to tackling antimicrobial resistance.

Market Launch:

Wockhardt plans to launch Miqnaf® in the Indian market in the coming months, aiming to address critical healthcare needs and improve outcomes for CABP patients.

Wockhardt Share Price history