Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and Antibiotic Discovery from India
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a serious global threat of growing concern to human, animal, and environment health. This is due to the emergence, spread, and persistence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria or “superbugs.” Antibiotic resistance occurs naturally, but misuse of antibiotics in humans and animals is accelerating the process. As per UN, international agencies and experts, If no action is taken, drug-resistant diseases can cause 10 million deaths each year by 2050. Currently, at least 7,00,000 people die each year due to drug-resistant diseases, including 2,30,000 people who die from multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. India carries one of the largest burdens of drug-resistant pathogens worldwide. To prevent and control the spread of antibiotic resistance, the health industry can invest in
research and development of new antibiotics, vaccines, diagnostics and other tools. While there are some new antibiotics in development, recently India's first new antibiotic from Wockhardt has received approval from Indian Drug Regulatory. DCGI has approved Wockhardt's 2 new antibiotics, EMROK (IV) and EMROK (Oral), for acute bacterial skin and skin structure
Infections including diabetic foot infections and concurrent bacteremia based on the Phase 3 study involving 500 patients in 40 centers across India. The new drug will target superbug like Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which is a leading cause of rising AMR. Information Source Courtesy: Equity Bulls; WHO/Newsroom/Factsheet Details
Dr. Bhumika Patel