India Pharma Outlook Team | Tuesday, 09 September 2025
Cipla has officially launched HUENA (Methenamine Hippurate), India's first non-antibiotic UTI drug. This is especially timely, as UTIs are the second most common reason for antibiotic use in India, with the number of cases nearly doubling over the last three decades.
Women are particularly vulnerable, who account for nearly 15% of total antibiotic prescriptions in India. The introduction of HUENA is a positive development in patient care and the broader challenge of antimicrobial resistance. Unlike traditional therapies, Methenamine Hippurate acts against bacteria in the bladder and urinary tract without using antibiotic mechanisms.
Also Read: Anti-Infectives: How New Research is Shaping Infection Control
Clinical trials demonstrated the same effect as long-term, low-dose antibiotics, as well a different class of drugs being significantly lower risk, cheaper, and no longer contributing to antibiotic resistance.
Achin Gupta, Global Chief Operating Officer, Cipla, said: "The launch of HUENA reflects our strong commitment to antimicrobial stewardship and addressing the growing challenge of AMR. We believe this innovation will notably improve patient outcomes, while reducing reliance on antibiotics, further contributing to a healthier future for all.”
Dr Jaideep Gogtay, Global Chief Medical Officer, Cipla, said, "At Cipla, we recognise the urgent need for innovative solutions to combat the growing burden of AMR. This groundbreaking launch provides patients with a non-antibiotic drug that will help prevent urinary tract infections without contributing to antimicrobial resistance."
The launch will also build on Cipla's recent milestone of getting approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to market inhaled insulin, Afrezza, in India. With footprints in 74 global markets, Cipla is still at the forefront of innovative solutions to meet urgent health challenges and provide support for long-term public health initiatives.
