In a significant milestone for India’s biotechnology sector, the Union Minister officially unveiled “Nafithromycin,” the nation’s first indigenous antibiotic designed to combat resistant infections.
About Nafithromycin
- Developed with the support of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).
- Marketed under the trade name Miqnaf.
- It is India’s first indigenously developed antibiotic aimed at addressing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
- Designed to treat Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP).
- Targets both typical and atypical pathogens.
- The first new antibiotic in this class globally in over three decades.
- Minimal gastrointestinal side effects.
- No significant drug interactions.
- Efficacy unaffected by food, enhancing patient convenience.
- Provides 10x efficacy with just three doses to combat drug-resistant pneumonia.
- Outcome of 14 years of research.
- ₹500 crore investment.
- Clinical trials conducted in the U.S., Europe, and India.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a disease that affects the lungs. The lungs have small air sacs called alveoli, which fill with air when you breathe in. When an individual has pneumonia, the alveoli are filled with pus and fluid, which makes breathing painful and limits oxygen intake.
In children, pneumonia is caused by a number of infectious agents, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in children is Streptococcus pneumoniae, followed by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).
The respiratory syncytial virus is the most common viral cause of pneumonia in children.
Pneumonia can spread in several ways. When a child inhales viruses and bacteria that are often present in their nose or throat, these microorganisms can infect the lungs. Additionally, airborne droplets from a cough or sneeze can carry infectious agents. Pneumonia can also spread through the blood, especially during and shortly after childbirth.
| Type of Pneumonia | Cause | Transmission |
| Bacterial Pneumonia | The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae, but it can also be caused by other bacteria, such as Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. | Typically spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. |
| Viral Pneumonia | It is caused by several viruses, the most common being influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), coronaviruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2), and adenoviruses. | Transmitted via airborne droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. The virus can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. |
| Aspiration Pneumonia | Occurs when food, liquid, or vomit is inhaled into the lungs, leading to infection. This can happen if the normal swallowing reflex is impaired due to neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, dementia), sedation, or alcohol intoxication. | Not typically transmitted from person to person. It arises from inhaling material from the mouth or throat, which can contain bacteria such as Anaerobes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Enterobacteriaceae. |
| Fungal Pneumonia | Can be caused by several types of fungi, including Histoplasma capsulatum, | Typically occurs when fungal spores are inhaled from the environment, often from soil or decaying organic matter. |
Walking Pneumonia
Walking pneumonia is a less severe type of pneumonia characterised by a localised infection in the lungs.
- Unlike typical pneumonia, patients with walking pneumonia usually don’t need hospital care and may continue with daily activities despite mild discomfort.
- This type of pneumonia is primarily caused by atypical bacteria like Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Read more: UNSC Resolution 1701
