Published: 1 October 2025PIBScience & Technology
India Develops First Indigenous Antibiotic Nafithromycin to Combat Drug Resistance
India's first indigenously discovered antibiotic, Nafithromycin (brand name MIQNAF), was formally soft-launched on November 20, 2024 as a major milestone in pharmaceutical self-reliance. The Macrolide antibiotic is the first new molecule in its class to be introduced globally in over 30 years.
Developed with the support of BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) under the Department of Biotechnology and brought to market by Wockhardt, Nafithromycin targets Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP). It is ten times more effective than current options with a 3-day treatment regimen versus 7-10 days. The development involved 14 years of research and ₹500 crore investment, with clinical trials spanning the US, Europe, and India.
0Mains angle
Q: Assess the significance of Nafithromycin, India's first indigenously discovered antibiotic, in combating antimicrobial resistance and advancing pharmaceutical self-reliance.
Answer (50 words):
Nafithromycin, branded MIQNAF, targets Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia and is ten times more effective than current options with a three-day regimen versus seven to ten days. Wockhardt developed it with BIRAC support under the Department of Biotechnology over 14 years and ₹500 crore; first new macrolide in 30 years.
6-axis classification
CoverageNationalSubjectScience & TechnologyExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourcePIB
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Linked questionMedium
BIRSA 101, India's first indigenous CRISPR gene therapy launched in November 2025, targets which disease?
Explanation · Correct answer BBIRSA 101 targets Sickle Cell Disease. Developed by CSIR-IGIB with Serum Institute, it aims to cost ₹50 lakh vs ₹20-25 crore for global therapies.
Frequently asked questions
What is Nafithromycin and why is it significant?
**Nafithromycin** (brand: MIQNAF) is **India's first indigenously discovered antibiotic** — a **Macrolide class molecule** that is the first new macrolide antibiotic globally in over **30 years**. It targets **Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP)** and is **10 times more effective** than current options.
Who developed Nafithromycin and how long did it take?
Nafithromycin was developed with **BIRAC support** (under the Department of Biotechnology) and brought to market by **Wockhardt**. Development involved **14 years of research** and an investment of **₹500 crore**, with clinical trials in the US, Europe, and India.
What disease does Nafithromycin treat and what is its treatment duration?
Nafithromycin (MIQNAF) targets **Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP)** with a **3-day treatment regimen** — significantly shorter than the conventional **7-10 day** courses, improving patient compliance.
How effective is Nafithromycin compared to existing antibiotics?
**Nafithromycin** is **10 times more effective** than current treatment options for Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP), while requiring only a **3-day course** versus the standard 7-10 days.
What is BIRAC and its role in Nafithromycin's development?
**BIRAC** (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) is under India's **Department of Biotechnology** and provided support for developing Nafithromycin — India's first indigenous antibiotic, brought to market by Wockhardt after 14 years of research.
