Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 18: In a major stride toward pharmaceutical self-reliance, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that India has developed its first indigenously discovered antibiotic, Nafithromycin, effective against drug-resistant respiratory infections. This breakthrough holds particular promise for vulnerable groups such as cancer patients and those with poorly managed diabetes.
Speaking at a medical workshop in the capital, Dr. Singh highlighted the drug as the first molecule to be entirely conceptualised, developed, and clinically validated within India — a landmark moment for the country’s scientific ecosystem. He emphasised that this development marks a leap in India's efforts to reduce dependency on imported antibiotics and sets a precedent for future innovation.
Dr. Singh also revealed India's progress in advanced medical research, including the sequencing of over 10,000 human genomes, with plans to scale up to one million. He celebrated a recent gene therapy trial for hemophilia — conducted in collaboration with Christian Medical College, Vellore — which recorded a 60–70% correction rate and zero bleeding episodes. The success, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, marks India’s first successful indigenous clinical trial in gene therapy.
The Minister underscored the role of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which aims to channel Rs 50,000 crore into research over five years, with Rs 36,000 crore expected from private sources. He advocated for a self-sustaining, innovation-driven ecosystem in India, with robust private sector involvement, drawing parallels with global leaders in science and technology.
At the workshop titled Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Multi-Omics Data Integration and Analysis, Dr. Singh highlighted AI’s growing influence in transforming healthcare delivery, diagnostics, and governance. He praised institutions like Sir Ganga Ram Hospital for embracing interdisciplinary innovation by integrating AI, genomics, and biotechnology.
With multiple breakthroughs in antibiotics, genomics, and AI-led healthcare, Dr. Singh said India is poised to emerge as a global leader in medical innovation and precision medicine.