Cipla Launches ZEMDRI in India, Taking Lead Against AMR

Key highlights:

• Cipla launches ZEMDRI in India to combat complicated UTIs and antimicrobial resistance.
• ZEMDRI targets drug-resistant bacteria like CRE, backed by EPIC trial data.
• Cipla calls the launch a milestone, offering a new once-daily treatment option.

Cipla has launched ZEMDRI (Plazomicin) in India as a brand-new intravenous antibiotic for use against complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) such as pyelonephritis. Since 150 million people globally and rising antimicrobial resistance are huge concerns, launching this medicine will be a positive step for the Indian pharmaceutical industry.

ZEMDRI is designed for adults to treat drug-resistant strains of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis and Enterobacter cloacae. The first randomized controlled study for daily aminoglycoside use in cUTI is called the EPIC trial, which has shown its clinical support. Notably, Plazomicin appears to be active against Indian MDR isolates, particularly against Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and bacteria carrying insertions in PBP-3.

Cipla’s Managing Director and Global CEO, Umang Vohra, stated, “The launch of Plazomicin in India marks an important milestone in introducing treatments for healthcare crises of the future.”

Adding to this, Dr. Jaideep Gogtay, Global Chief Medical Officer, Cipla, commented, “This launch will provide access to a novel targeted treatment for cUTI, caused by multi-drug resistant organisms and provide physicians with a new once-daily treatment option.”

Also read insights from Dr. Jaideep Gogtay, Global Chief Medical Officer at Cipla, on: Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Through Collaborative Efforts

In addition, for ZEMDRI, Cipla USA holds the patent for all three designations of Fast Track, QIDP and Breakthrough Therapy from the USFDA.