Daily Current Affairs : 9-December-2024

India has reached a major milestone in the global battle against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with the development of Nafithromycin, the country’s first indigenous macrolide antibiotic. This breakthrough is significant not only for India but also for the global medical community, as it brings hope in the fight against infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria.

Development and Support

Nafithromycin was developed by Wockhardt Ltd., a prominent pharmaceutical company in India, with critical support from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) under the Biotech Industry Program. This collaboration highlights India’s growing capabilities in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research.

Purpose and Aims

The primary aim of Nafithromycin is to tackle Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP), a serious lung infection that often leads to hospitalization. More importantly, it aims to address infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria, which have become increasingly difficult to treat with existing antibiotics. Nafithromycin also plays a vital role in reducing the global and national burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which poses a significant threat to public health worldwide.

Key Features and Effectiveness
  • Superior Effectiveness: Nafithromycin is 10 times more effective than current treatments like azithromycin, a widely used antibiotic.
  • Shorter Treatment Duration: It offers a three-day treatment regimen, drastically reducing recovery time and making it easier for patients to complete their treatment.
  • Broad Spectrum: The drug is effective against both typical and atypical drug-resistant bacteria, providing a broader scope of treatment for infections caused by hard-to-treat bacteria.
  • Safety and Side Effects: Nafithromycin has superior safety profiles, with minimal side effects, making it a preferred choice for patients, especially vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
Significance of Nafithromycin
  • First in its Class: Nafithromycin is the first new macrolide antibiotic introduced globally in over 30 years, making it a landmark development in antibiotic research.
  • Tackling AMR: With AMR becoming a growing concern, Nafithromycin offers a critical tool in combating infections, particularly in populations at high risk.
Important Points:
  • Nafithromycin is India’s first indigenous macrolide antibiotic.
  • Developed by Wockhardt Ltd., with support from BIRAC under the Biotech Industry Program.
  • Aimed at treating Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP) and infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria.
  • 10 times more effective than existing treatments like azithromycin.
  • Three-day treatment regimen significantly reduces recovery time.
  • Effective against typical and atypical drug-resistant bacteria.
  • Has superior safety with minimal side effects.
  • Marks the first new macrolide antibiotic in over 30 years globally.
  • Plays a crucial role in addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), especially in vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
  • Offers a significant solution to the growing global threat of drug-resistant infections.
Why In News

India has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with the development of Nafithromycin, the country’s first indigenous macrolide antibiotic, marking a significant leap in the nation’s ability to combat drug-resistant infections and improve global public health outcomes.

MCQs about Nafithromycin:India’s Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance
  1. Who developed Nafithromycin, India’s first indigenous macrolide antibiotic?
    A. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
    B. Wockhardt Ltd.
    C. Biocon Ltd.
    D. Serum Institute of India
    Correct Answer: B. Wockhardt Ltd.
    Explanation: Nafithromycin was developed by Wockhardt Ltd., a prominent Indian pharmaceutical company, with support from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).
  2. What is the primary aim of Nafithromycin?
    A. To treat heart disease
    B. To combat Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP) and drug-resistant infections
    C. To treat viral infections
    D. To improve digestive health
    Correct Answer: B. To combat Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP) and drug-resistant infections
    Explanation: Nafithromycin was developed to treat Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP) and infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria, which are increasingly difficult to treat with existing antibiotics.
  3. How much more effective is Nafithromycin compared to azithromycin?
    A. 5 times more effective
    B. 10 times more effective
    C. 2 times more effective
    D. 3 times more effective
    Correct Answer: B. 10 times more effective
    Explanation: Nafithromycin is 10 times more effective than existing treatments like azithromycin, which makes it a promising option for treating bacterial infections.
  4. What is the duration of the treatment regimen for Nafithromycin?
    A. 7 days
    B. 5 days
    C. 10 days
    D. 3 days
    Correct Answer: D. 3 days
    Explanation: Nafithromycin offers a three-day treatment regimen, significantly reducing recovery time compared to longer courses of treatment with other antibiotics.

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