Mumbai, April 1, 2025
Wockhardt Limited (BSE: 532300, NSE: WOCKPHARMA) announced a significant breakthrough in infectious disease treatment as its novel antibiotic Zaynich™ (Zidebactam/Cefepime, WCK 5222) successfully cured a drug-resistant infection in a 15-year-old paediatric cancer patient in the United States.Landmark Clinical Success Under Compassionate Use
The patient, suffering from Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and undergoing chemotherapy at St. Jude’s Hospital, Memphis, developed recalcitrant blood and liver infections caused by NDM-producing E. coli, a formidable, multi-drug-resistant pathogen. Despite receiving nine antibiotics from five different classes over a 45-day period—including Tigecycline, Gentamicin, and Ceftazidime/Avibactam + Aztreonam—the infections persisted, leaving minimal treatment options.Zaynich™ was administered under US FDA-approved compassionate use, leading to a complete resolution of infection within 41 days of treatment. This is the third known US case where Zaynich™ has proven effective in such life-threatening scenarios.
Zaynich™: A Novel Antibiotic for Superbug Resistance
Wockhardt's Zaynich™ is a proprietary combination of Zidebactam and Cefepime, developed specifically to combat multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria. It acts via a unique β-lactam enhancer mechanism, which has shown strong efficacy in patients with no other treatment recourse.- Completed global Phase III trial to support marketing authorization.
- Prior Phase I trials conducted in the US.
- Completed a multi-indication study in India, particularly targeting carbapenem-resistant infections.
Strategic Outlook: Wockhardt's Global Anti-Infective Leadership
Wockhardt’s sustained focus on novel antibiotic discovery over the last 25 years has produced six innovative anti-infective assets, all of which have received Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) status from the US FDA.These assets are diversified across:
- 3 Gram-negative and
- 3 Gram-positive pathogens, targeting untreatable “superbugs.”