A Systematic Review on Nafithromycin: A Novel  Lactone Ketolide Antibiotic for Drug Resistant  Pneumonia

Gollu  Sarada; Chukka  Praveen Kumar; Seema  Rani; Sanjeev  Kumar; Chandan  Jasrotia

Gollu Sarada Student, Department of Pharmacology, BPS GMC for Women, Khanpur kalan, Sonipat, Haryana, India
Chukka Praveen Kumar Student, Department of Surgery, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College and Hospital, Rohini, Delhi, India
Seema Rani Professor and Head of Department, Department of Pharmacology, BPS GMC for Women, Khanpur kalan, Sonipat, Haryana, India
Sanjeev Kumar Professor, Department of Orthopedics, BPS GMC for Women, Khanpur kalan, Sonipat, Haryana, India
Chandan Jasrotia Associate Professor, Department of Orthopedics, SGRDIMSAR, Vallah, Amritsar, Punjab, India

Abstract

Background: Community-acquired bacterial pneumonia is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the elderly. Widespread macrolide resistance mechanisms in Streptococcus pneumoniae have challenged their empirical utility. Nafithromycin, India’s first indigenously developed lactone-ketolide by Wockhardt, received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization on January 1st, 2025, for
community-acquired bacterial pneumonia caused by drug-resistant bacteria. Nafithromycin, with a unique structure, inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by targeting the 50S subunit of the 70S ribosome.
Aim: To review the available literature on clinical, microbiological and pharmacokinetic evidence of nafrithromycin in the treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia.
Objective: 1. To review the clinical efficacy. 2. To review the safety and tolerability of nafithromycin.
Methodology: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar and clinical trial registries for studies published during 2019-2024. Both preclinical studies and clinical trials were included. Data extracted on antimicrobial activity, pharmacokinetics, safety, resistance mechanisms and efficacy.
Results: 13 relevant studies were identified, including a phase-3 clinical trial, which showed nafithromycin’s unique structure and pharmacokinetics supporting once-daily dosing, short duration and better patient compliance with minimal side effects.
Conclusion: This systematic review highlights the potent activity of naftithromycin against resistant pathogens, favourable safety and short-course therapy in treating CABP.
Keywords: Nafithromycin, WCK 4873, Macrolide Resistance and Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP)

How to cite this article:
Sarada G, Kumar C P, Rani S, Kumar S, Jasrotia C. A Systematic Review on Nafithromycin: A Novel Lactone Ketolide Antibiotic for Drug Resistant Pneumonia. J Commun Dis. 2026;58(2):205-208.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202646

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