The US Food and Drug Administration's approval of Wockhardt's Zaynich, a first-in-class 'breakthrough antibiotic' for severe drug-resistant infections, opens up a significant global market opportunity, the company's founder chairman Habil Khorakiwala told TOI.
About Zaynich
Zaynich, a combination of cefepime and zidebactam, is the first novel drug discovered and developed in India to secure this milestone. Annual peak sales are estimated at over $1.5 billion, according to Khorakiwala. With patent protection through 2038, the antibiotic targets multidrug-resistant superbugs and complicated urinary tract infections.
Pricing Strategy
Wockhardt plans to price Zaynich in line with prevailing US treatment costs of $10,000-12,000 for such infections. However, pricing in India is likely to be significantly lower, reflecting local market conditions.
Market Opportunity
"The global antibiotics market is estimated at roughly $9 billion, while for such life-saving treatments we expect the global opportunity to be around $1.5 billion. The upside will depend on how quickly the company ramps up its commercial presence," said Vishal Manchanda, analyst at Systematix.
Stock Performance
Wockhardt scrip surged to a record high of Rs 2,420 during the day, but closed around Rs 2,152, nearly 6% up. This approval marks a significant milestone for Indian pharmaceutical innovation and positions Wockhardt as a key player in the global antibiotics market.
