Indigenous Antibiotic Marks a Milestone
India’s Breakthrough in Antibiotic Innovation and Gene Therapy: India has successfully developed Nafithromycin, its first fully indigenous antibiotic, representing a historic advancement in the nation’s biotechnology and healthcare innovation. The achievement underscores India’s shift toward biotech self-reliance, aligning with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision for technological sovereignty.
The antibiotic was conceptualised, developed, and clinically validated entirely in India, marking the first time such a breakthrough has been achieved without foreign collaboration. It was developed through a partnership between the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Wockhardt, a leading pharmaceutical company.
Nafithromycin is designed to combat resistant respiratory infections, which pose a high risk to cancer patients and those with uncontrolled diabetes. This development reinforces India’s commitment to combating the global threat of antimicrobial resistance while enhancing its pharmaceutical autonomy.
Static GK fact: India is one of the largest producers of generic medicines globally, supplying nearly 20% of the world’s generic drugs.
Breakthrough Gene Therapy for Hemophilia
India also achieved a scientific milestone with its first indigenous gene therapy trial for hemophilia, a genetic disorder that prevents normal blood clotting. The trial, conducted at Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, and supported by the Department of Biotechnology, recorded a 60–70% correction rate and zero bleeding episodes among participants.
The study’s publication in the New England Journal of Medicine marked global recognition of India’s progress in precision medicine. With this, India joins an elite group of nations capable of developing and testing gene-based therapies within their borders.
Static GK Tip: Hemophilia is classified into two main types — Hemophilia A (factor VIII deficiency) and Hemophilia B (factor IX deficiency).
Expanding Frontiers with Genome Sequencing
India has already sequenced over 10,000 human genomes, with plans to expand to 1 million under upcoming national initiatives. This vast genomic database will aid in:
- Developing personalized medicine
- Enhancing disease prediction models
- Strengthening drug discovery and AI-driven healthcare research
Such data-driven advancements will make India a major global hub for biomedical innovation and genomic research.
Static GK fact: The Human Genome Project, completed in 2003, mapped the entire human genetic code for the first time.
ANRF Empowering Research Ecosystem
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is set to transform India’s research funding landscape. With an allocation of ₹50,000 crore over five years, including ₹36,000 crore from non-governmental sources, ANRF will promote public-private partnerships, corporate investments, and interdisciplinary research.
This framework is designed to encourage entrepreneurial research, reduce dependence on government funding, and build a sustainable innovation ecosystem.
Static GK Tip: The ANRF Bill, 2023, replaced the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) to expand research beyond STEM disciplines.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India’s Breakthrough in Antibiotic Innovation and Gene Therapy:
| Topic | Detail |
| Indigenous antibiotic | Nafithromycin developed by DBT and Wockhardt |
| Focus of antibiotic | Resistant respiratory infections |
| Gene therapy trial | Conducted at CMC Vellore for hemophilia |
| Correction rate | 60–70% with zero bleeding episodes |
| Journal recognition | Published in New England Journal of Medicine |
| Genome sequencing goal | Expansion from 10,000 to 1 million genomes |
| ANRF total outlay | ₹50,000 crore over five years |
| Non-government contribution | ₹36,000 crore |
| Vision alignment | Viksit Bharat 2047 initiative |
| Global position | India joins limited nations with indigenous gene therapy |
