Orchid Pharma Limited, a Chennai-based Indian pharmaceutical company, announced the launch of its new drug - cefepime-enmetazobactam, which has been approved for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI), hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) indications.
In a landmark collaboration, Orchid Pharma has partnered with Cipla Limited (Cipla) to ensure widespread and rapid distribution of this breakthrough antibiotic combination across India.
Speaking on the launch, Manish Dhanuka, managing director Orchid Pharma said, "With increasing resistance to the current drugs most commonly used for treatment of these indications – e.g. piperacillin-tazobactam for cUTI – doctors were forced to start using carbapenems – a reserve drug meant to be used when most other drugs don't work. Now, Orchid's cefepime-enmetazobactam will allow doctors to spare carbapenems, prolonging their effective life by restricting their use."
Umang Vohra, managing director & global chief executive officer, Cipla, said, “AMR is an urgent and serious healthcare challenge that needs global attention. With the rising incidence of potentially-life threatening infections, there is a strong need for novel anti-infectives in the effective treatment of MDR infections. This partnership enhances Cipla’s commitment to AMR stewardship and strengthens our efforts to combat infectious diseases and deliver advanced, innovative therapies to patients.”
Both companies are committed to responsible antibiotic stewardship and will work closely with healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate use of this new antibiotic combination. Educational initiatives and guidelines for prescribing will be developed to maximize the drug's benefits while minimizing the risk of further antimicrobial resistance.
Established in 1992 as an export-oriented unit (EOU), Orchid Pharma Ltd. (Orchid) is a vertically integrated company spanning the entire pharmaceutical value chain with established credentials in research, manufacturing, and marketing.
Established in 1935, Cipla is a global pharmaceutical company focused on agile and sustainable growth, complex generics, and deepening portfolio in home markets of India, South Africa, North America, and key regulated and emerging markets.