Wockhardt Limited has announced the approval of its new oral antibiotic, Miqnaf® (Nafithromycin), by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for treating community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) in adults. This approval comes as a significant advancement in combating antibiotic resistance and improving patient compliance.
Key Highlights of Miqnaf®:
- Ultra-Short Treatment Regimen: Miqnaf® offers a once-daily, three-day treatment course, addressing compliance challenges while delivering effective outcomes.
- Resistance Coverage: The drug is effective against multi-drug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, including pneumococci resistant to existing antibiotics like azithromycin and amoxicillin/clavulanate.
- Broader Pathogen Range: Miqnaf® covers community respiratory pathogens, including atypical bacteria like Mycoplasma and Legionella, reducing the need for hospital-based intravenous treatments.
- Historical Milestone: This is the first macrolide-based treatment introduced in India for CABP in nearly 30 years.
Addressing India’s Healthcare Challenges:
With India bearing 23% of the global CABP disease burden, the need for innovative treatments is critical. Existing antibiotics face increasing resistance, often necessitating hospitalization, which raises healthcare costs and risks of hospital-acquired infections. Miqnaf® aims to alleviate these challenges by offering an effective oral alternative.
About Wockhardt’s Drug Discovery Program:
Wockhardt has invested over 25 years in developing novel antibiotics targeting multi-drug-resistant infections. With six products granted Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) status by the US FDA, the company remains at the forefront of combating superbugs globally.
The company plans to launch Miqnaf® in the Indian market in the coming months, furthering its mission to provide accessible and innovative healthcare solutions.
