India Develops First Indigenous Antibiotic ‘Nafithromycin’, Marks Breakthrough in Gene Therapy: Dr. Jitendra Singh
New Delhi, October 18 (TheTrendingPeople.com): In a major milestone for India’s healthcare and pharmaceutical research, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, announced on Saturday that India has developed its first indigenously discovered antibiotic ‘Nafithromycin’, effective against drug-resistant respiratory infections.
This breakthrough antibiotic, conceptualised, developed, and clinically validated entirely in India, marks a defining leap toward self-reliance in biomedical innovation and a ‘Make in India’ success in the pharmaceutical sector.
India’s First Indigenous Antibiotic: Nafithromycin
Dr. Jitendra Singh revealed that Nafithromycin has demonstrated strong efficacy against resistant respiratory infections, particularly benefiting cancer patients and individuals with poorly controlled diabetes, who are often prone to severe infections.
“This is the first molecule entirely conceptualised, developed and clinically validated in India. It signifies a quantum leap towards self-reliance in the pharmaceutical sector,” Dr. Singh said during his address.
Experts have hailed this development as a game-changer in India’s ongoing efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which has become one of the biggest global health challenges. The antibiotic’s indigenous development is also expected to reduce dependency on imported formulations and strengthen India’s global position in drug discovery.
India’s Advancements in Genome Sequencing
Highlighting India’s progress in the field of genetics, Dr. Singh shared that the country has already sequenced over 10,000 human genomes, with an ambitious target to scale this up to one million in the near future.
Genome sequencing plays a critical role in personalized medicine, allowing doctors to tailor treatment plans based on individual genetic profiles. The initiative reflects India’s growing expertise in multi-omics data integration and precision healthcare.
“We have successfully sequenced over 10,000 human genomes, and the next goal is one million. This will create a rich resource for understanding disease biology and developing personalized therapies,” Dr. Singh said.
Breakthrough in Gene Therapy for Hemophilia
In another landmark achievement, Dr. Singh announced India’s first successful indigenous clinical trial for gene therapy, aimed at treating Hemophilia — a rare genetic bleeding disorder.
Supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and conducted at Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, the trial demonstrated a 60–70 per cent correction rate with zero bleeding episodes among patients.
“This marks a milestone in India’s medical research landscape. The gene therapy trial recorded a 60–70 per cent correction rate with zero bleeding episodes,” Dr. Singh said.
The findings have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), one of the world’s most prestigious medical journals, underscoring India’s rising leadership in advanced biomedical science and research.
The Role of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
Dr. Singh emphasized that the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) will play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s research ecosystem. With a total outlay of ₹50,000 crore over five years, including ₹36,000 crore from non-government sources, the ANRF is designed to foster innovation and accelerate industry-academia collaboration.
He added that self-sustaining research models are vital for scientific growth, pointing out that nations excelling in innovation have relied on strong private-sector engagement.
“Countries that achieved global recognition in science and innovation built self-sustainable ecosystems with extensive participation from the private sector. India, too, must move in this direction,” the minister noted.
AI and Multi-Omics Integration in Healthcare
Dr. Singh was speaking while inaugurating a three-day Medical Workshop on ‘Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Multi-Omics Data Integration and Analysis’, where he highlighted how AI is transforming healthcare and governance in India.
He said that artificial intelligence has become one of the most transformative tools of the modern era, improving healthcare accessibility, administrative efficiency, and decision-making.
“Artificial intelligence has revolutionized healthcare, making diagnostics faster, treatments more targeted, and healthcare delivery more efficient,” Dr. Singh stated.
The workshop, which brings together leading scientists, clinicians, and AI experts, focuses on exploring how AI-driven analytics can decode complex biological data, paving the way for early disease detection, customized treatments, and predictive medicine.
Institutions Leading India’s Biomedical Revolution
The minister also praised Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and other premier institutions for pioneering interdisciplinary research by integrating AI, biotechnology, and genomics to improve patient outcomes.
These collaborations, he said, demonstrate India’s capability to blend cutting-edge technology with traditional medical expertise, thereby positioning the country as a global hub for healthcare innovation.
“Institutions like Sir Ganga Ram Hospital are setting benchmarks in integrating AI, biotechnology, and genomics. Such synergy will define the future of medicine in India,” Dr. Singh remarked.
Why This Breakthrough Matters
The launch of Nafithromycin and the success of India’s gene therapy trial mark a turning point in the nation’s medical science journey. Both achievements underscore India’s transition from a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub to a global leader in original drug discovery and genetic medicine.
These developments come at a time when antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pressing global concern, and gene therapy remains an expensive frontier dominated by Western countries. India’s progress offers affordable, homegrown solutions that can serve millions, particularly in low- and middle-income nations.
The initiatives also align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, aiming for scientific independence and technological leadership across strategic sectors.
Global Recognition and Future Prospects
Publication of India’s gene therapy results in the New England Journal of Medicine is a testament to the country’s growing credibility in global research networks. As Indian laboratories and startups collaborate with international institutions, the next decade could see India emerge as a global leader in genomic medicine and AI-driven healthcare.
Government initiatives such as the ANRF, the DBT’s Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG), and the National Supercomputing Mission will further accelerate research capabilities and help bridge the gap between discovery and deployment.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
India’s twin breakthroughs — Nafithromycin and the indigenous gene therapy trial for Hemophilia — represent more than scientific progress; they signify a new chapter in India’s healthcare sovereignty. As innovation becomes central to India’s growth story, the synergy between science, technology, and policy is clearly shaping the future of medicine and biotechnology.
The announcement by Dr. Jitendra Singh not only reinforces India’s scientific capabilities but also highlights the country’s commitment to affordable, accessible, and globally competitive healthcare innovation.