Orchid Pharma Teams Up With Cipla To Launch New Antibiotic In India

Orchid Pharma Limited has unveiled its latest innovation, Cefepime-Enmetazobactam, a new antibiotic combination recently authorized for treating complicated Urinary Tract Infections (cUTI), Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia (HAP), and Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP). To facilitate extensive and swift distribution throughout India, the company has joined forces with Cipla Limited.

The company mentioned, “The launch of Cefepime-Enmetazobactam marks a significant milestone for India’s pharmaceutical industry in the fight against AMR, a growing global health issue, reinforcing India’s leadership in medical innovation. Orchid Pharma and Cipla are confident that this collaboration will set a new benchmark for addressing critical healthcare challenges through strategic partnerships and advanced research.”

It further added, “The partnership between Orchid Pharma and Cipla combines Orchid’s innovative drug development capabilities with Cipla’s extensive distribution network and market presence, the company stated. This collaboration aims to ensure that this life-saving medication reaches healthcare providers across India as quickly and efficiently as possible, it added.”

Manish Dhanuka, Managing Director Orchid Pharma remarked, “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.”

The press release highlights that both companies are dedicated to promoting responsible use of antibiotics. They will collaborate with healthcare providers to ensure this new antibiotic combination is used correctly. To optimize the drug's effectiveness and reduce the risk of increasing antimicrobial resistance, they will also create educational programs and prescribing guidelines.

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. ”