Orchid Pharma collaborates with Cipla to unveil antibiotic CefepimeEnmetazobactam in India
New Delhi: Orchid Pharma Limited, based in Chennai, India, the
only Indian pharmaceutical company to have ever invented a New Chemical Entity (NCE), has announced the launch of its new drug – Cefepime-Enmetazobactam, which has been approved
for the treatment of complicated Urinary Tract infections (cUTI), Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia
(HAP) and Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) indications.
In a landmark collaboration,
Orchid Pharma has partnered with Cipla Limited to ensure widespread and rapid
distribution of this breakthrough antibiotic combination across India.
“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,” the release stated.
The partnership between Orchid Pharma and Cipla combines Orchid’s innovative drug
development capabilities with Cipla’s extensive distribution network and market presence.
Speaking on the launch, Manish Dhanuka, Managing Director Orchid Pharma said, “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 CefepimeEnmetazobactam will allow doctors to spare Carbapenems, prolonging their effective life by
restricting their use.”
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.”
Both companies are committed to responsible antibiotic stewardship and will work closely with
healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate use of this new antibiotic combination.
Educational initiatives and guidelines for prescribing will be developed to maximize the drug’s benefits while minimizing the risk of further antimicrobial resistance.
Read also: DCGI nod to Orchid Pharma Antibiotic Drug Combination of Cefepime, Enmetazobactam (NCE)
