India develops new drugs to fight antibiotic-resistant superbugs
India is developing new drugs to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which caused over 1.14 million deaths globally in 2021. The country faces significant challenges with antimicrobial resistance, leading to high mortality rates, especially among newborns. Chennai's Orchid Pharma has created Enmetazobactam, the first Indian antimicrobial approved by the U.S. FDA. This drug targets bacterial defenses, preserving the effectiveness of existing antibiotics. Mumbai's Wockhardt is testing Zaynich and Nafithromycin, both showing promise against severe infections. A report from the Indian Council of Medical Research highlights rising antibiotic resistance, particularly with E.coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Experts emphasize the need for better prescription practices and the development of new antibiotics to address this growing threat.