India has achieved a historic milestone in medical science with the development of its first indigenously discovered antibiotic Nafithromycin, designed to treat resistant respiratory infections. The breakthrough holds particular promise for cancer patients and those with poorly controlled diabetes. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, announced that this antibiotic is the first molecule entirely conceptualized, developed, and clinically validated in India, marking a major step toward pharmaceutical self-reliance. The antibiotic Nafithromycin has been developed by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, in collaboration with leading pharmaceutical company Wockhardt Ltd.
Nafithromycin: A Leap Toward India’s Self-Reliant Healthcare Future
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that the creation of Nafithromycin demonstrates the success of India’s industry-academia partnership and its growing strength in biopharmaceutical innovation. The Minister emphasized the importance of developing a self-sustaining ecosystem that encourages private sector participation and philanthropic support in scientific research. He stated that reducing dependency on government funding and fostering innovation-driven models are key to achieving global recognition in medical and pharmaceutical sciences.
The Minister inaugurated a three-day medical workshop titled “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Multi-Omics Data Integration and Analysis”, underscoring that most globally recognized nations in science and technology rely on self-sustainable and innovation-led frameworks with strong private sector engagement.
Strengthening India’s Innovation Ecosystem Through Nafithromycin
Citing another major scientific achievement, Dr. Singh announced that India has successfully completed its first indigenous gene therapy clinical trial for Hemophilia treatment. Supported by the Department of Biotechnology and conducted at Christian Medical College, Vellore, this trial represents another government–non-government collaboration milestone. The gene therapy achieved a 60–70% correction rate with zero bleeding episodes, establishing a new benchmark in India’s biomedical research.
He added that India has already sequenced over 10,000 human genomes and plans to scale up to one million in the coming years. The success of Nafithromycin and other biomedical innovations highlights India’s ability to lead in advanced healthcare technologies and strengthen its position in global medical research.
Nafithromycin Boosts India’s Biotech and Pharma Capabilities
Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) will further reinforce India’s research framework with an investment of ₹50,000 crore over five years, of which ₹36,000 crore will come from non-government sources. This initiative reflects India’s paradigm shift toward public–private collaboration and aligns with international research standards.
He also noted that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare delivery and accessibility across India. AI-driven hybrid mobile clinics are now serving rural and remote areas, ensuring equitable healthcare for all. Moreover, the AI-powered grievance redressal system by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) has achieved a 97–98% weekly disposal rate, improving governance efficiency and citizen satisfaction.
India’s Vision for Future Biotech Innovation and Global Leadership
Dr. Singh praised institutions such as Sir Ganga Ram Hospital for integrating AI, biotechnology, and genomics to enhance healthcare outcomes. He urged stronger collaboration between government agencies, private hospitals, and research institutions to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
He further stated that India is entering a transformative era of self-reliance in biotechnology, AI, and genomic medicine. The synergy of innovation, cooperation, and compassion will shape India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation and solidify its global leadership in science and technology.
The event was attended by key figures including Dr. Shiv Kumar Kalyanaraman, CEO of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, Dr. N.K. Ganguly, Dr. D.S. Rana, and Dr. Ajay Swaroop, among others.
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