India developed its first indigenously discovered antibiotic “Nafithromycin”

 Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh on 18 October informed that India has developed its first indigenously discovered antibiotic “Nafithromycin”, which is effective against resistant respiratory infections, particularly useful for cancer patients and poorly controlled diabetics. He said this antibiotic is the first molecule entirely conceptualized, developed and clinically validated in India, representing a significant leap toward self-reliance in the pharmaceutical sector.

The antibiotic Naphithromycin has been developed by the Govt of India’s Department of Biotechnology in collaboration with well-known private pharma house Wockhardt.

Citing this as an example of successful industry-academia partnership driving India’s biopharmaceutical growth, the Union Minister emphasized the need to build a self-sustainable innovation ecosystem, so that India could reduce its dependence on government funding and create a culture of private sector participation and philanthropic support to achieve global recognition in research and innovation.