Wockhardt's Phase 1 trial of MDR Gram-negative antibiotic backed by National Institutes of Health; stock jumps ~2%

16 Mar 2022 , 12:40 PM

Wockhardt Ltd. informed the investors that the National Institute of Health’s significant arm National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ((NIAID) is supporting the Phase 1 clinical trial of Wockhardt’s novel once-a-day, multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative targeted antibiotic WCK 6777.

This trial shall be carried on at NIAID’s Phase I clinical trial units in the USA. The investigational new drug (IND) application for drug study will also be sponsored by NIAID. Wockhardt’s product also received a qualified infectious disease product (QIDP) designation to WCK 6777, which signifies its ability to meet the unmet medical need and facilitates a faster approval process.

Dr. Habil Khorakiwala, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Wockhardt group commented, ”We are grateful that NIH, USA is supporting our phase 1 clinical trial of WCK 6777, which is expected to offer a much needed out-patient-parenteral antimicrobial therapy for MDR infections in ambulatory settings.”

WCK 6777 combines zidebactam and ertapenem and, zidebactam has also been combined with cefepime, the combination designated as WCK 5222. Once-a-day therapeutic profile of WCK 6777 is expected to cut hospital admissions, facilitate early patient discharge, and thus aims to introduce patient-centered care for MDR infections.

 
Wockhardt Ltd is currently trading at Rs293.55 up by Rs4.75 or 1.64% from its previous closing of Rs288.80 on the BSE. Its scrip touched today’s high and low of Rs298 and Rs291.50 respectively.