Strengthening India’s Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance: Insights from Dr. Jaideep Gogtay Of Cipla

In a pressing global health crisis, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) stands as one of the most formidable challenges, responsible for an estimated 1.27 million direct deaths and contributing to 4.95 million fatalities worldwide in 2019 alone. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials across humans, animals, and plants as primary drivers of this alarming trend. As AMR complicates infection treatments and elevates the risks associated with various medical procedures, including surgeries and cancer therapies, addressing this issue has never been more critical.

In a recent discussion with Financial Express, Dr. Jaideep Gogtay, the Global Chief Medical Officer of Cipla, emphasized the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and a concerted focus on drug discovery to combat AMR effectively. Cipla is taking significant steps to contribute to this fight, including a recent partnership with Orchid Pharma to distribute a new antibiotic, Cefepime-Enmetazobactam, aimed at treating complicated urinary tract infections and hospital-acquired pneumonia.

Dr. Gogtay explained that AMR primarily pertains to bacterial infections where common antibiotics fail to work effectively. “In the past five years, the issue of AMR has gained significant attention, especially through publications in The Lancet, highlighting the estimated 5 million deaths linked to resistant bacterial infections globally,” he stated. In India, the situation is dire, with estimates suggesting that as many as 500,000 deaths could be attributed to AMR.

While the overuse and misuse of antibiotics are well-documented contributors, Dr. Gogtay pointed out that the issue extends beyond human medicine. “Antibiotics are also extensively used in the veterinary and food industries, and we must consider these factors holistically to address AMR effectively,” he said.

Dr. Gogtay underscored the importance of a comprehensive “One Health” approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. “For effective solutions, all stakeholders must collaborate to monitor antibiotic availability and usage,” he remarked. This includes tracking antibiotic use in livestock and enhancing data collection on resistance trends across different sectors.

India is recognized as one of the highest contributors to AMR, particularly in hospital settings. Dr. Gogtay highlighted findings from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which indicate significant drug resistance in various infections tracked across multiple tertiary hospitals. “AMR is a significant public health challenge in India, with hospital-acquired infections showing alarming resistance patterns,” he added.

With the increasing ineffectiveness of existing antibiotics, the healthcare system may soon face the dire consequences of AMR, including higher mortality rates and extended hospital stays. Dr. Gogtay noted that patients with resistant infections often require advanced treatments that may not be readily available, thereby increasing the risk of death.

To mitigate the impact of AMR, pharmaceutical companies like Cipla are implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs that educate healthcare providers on appropriate antibiotic use. “By formulating hospital policies based on surveillance data, we can better understand local resistance patterns and adapt our treatment protocols accordingly,” Dr. Gogtay explained.

However, the pharmaceutical industry faces challenges in antibiotic development, primarily due to the low commercial viability of new antibiotics. “The pace of antibiotic development has slowed down significantly. Many companies prioritize lucrative cancer drugs over antibiotics, leading to a scarcity of new treatments,” he lamented.

Dr. Gogtay called for greater collaboration among pharmaceutical companies, academia, and government bodies to stimulate antibiotic research and development. “We must explore new avenues for drug discovery in India, focusing on antibiotics tailored to address the unique resistance patterns prevalent in our country,” he emphasized.

The Cipla-Orchid Pharma partnership exemplifies this commitment, aiming to address the critical need for effective treatments against resistant pathogens. Dr. Gogtay explained that the newly developed Enmetazobactam, combined with Cefepime, targets ESBL-Gram negative organisms responsible for common infections that have increasingly become resistant to standard treatments.

Looking ahead, Dr. Gogtay highlighted several critical areas where action is needed to combat AMR effectively. Key recommendations include expanding surveillance efforts to gather comprehensive data on pathogens and resistance mechanisms, thereby guiding antibiotic development efforts. “The ICMR’s nationwide surveillance initiative is a positive step, but we must extend our reach to community-level monitoring as well,” he noted.

Additionally, Dr. Gogtay emphasized the need for incentives that encourage pharmaceutical companies to invest in antibiotic research and development, stating, “By providing grants and support, we can encourage companies to engage in this essential work.”

As the threat of AMR looms large, the collaborative efforts of stakeholders across healthcare, industry, and government are crucial in mitigating its impact. With Cipla’s commitment to antimicrobial stewardship and innovative partnerships, the path toward combating AMR in India appears promising. Dr. Gogtay’s insights serve as a clarion call for comprehensive action in addressing this silent pandemic, ensuring a healthier future for all.