Wockhardt Ltd. has developed Zaynich, a new antibiotic designed to fight multidrug-resistant infections. Combining two compounds, it has shown strong effectiveness in clinical trials against bacteria that resist multiple antibiotics, offering a major breakthrough in tackling antimicrobial resistance.
Zaynich (WCK 5222) combines cefepime, a cephalosporin antibiotic, with zidebactam, a beta-lactamase inhibitor, to enhance its effectiveness against resistant pathogens. Clinical trials have demonstrated its ability to treat severe infections, including those caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), a group of bacteria known for their resistance to multiple antibiotics.
The development comes at a critical time, as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a major global health threat. The World Health Organization lists AMR among the top 10 public health challenges worldwide, with India being one of the most affected countries. Zaynich is expected to provide doctors with a valuable tool to manage infections that were previously difficult to treat.
Wockhardt plans to submit regulatory filings for Zaynich in the United States and Europe in FY2026-27, following a successful pre-New Drug Application (NDA) meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2025. The company aims to launch the drug in these markets, targeting a $7 billion opportunity.
The approval and availability of Zaynich internationally could strengthen India’s position in the global pharmaceutical sector and help combat the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance.
