VS Chauhan & Nitin Yadav

Representational Illustration by iStock

Virander S Chauhan and Nitin Yadav are co-founders of Biotide Solutions LLP, a startup company working towards developing novel antimicrobials for multi-drug resistant bacterial infections. Centre for Science and Environment-Down To Earth spoke to the duo during the recently observed World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2023. Edited excerpts:

Neeraj Kumar (NK): What is the current global situation of antibiotic drug development?

 

VS Chauhan (VSC) & Nitin Yadav (NY): The current global scenario of antibiotic drug development is indeed facing a critical crisis. There is a distressing scarcity of novel antibiotics entering the market, leading to a serious threat in addressing increasingly resistant infections.

It is concerning that despite the significant challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the number of drugs in development addressing this issue remains notably low.

Currently, only 77 antimicrobial therapeutics are in clinical trials, with 32 as non-traditional antibiotics, compared to around 10,000 drugs for cancer and 1,800 for neuropsychiatric diseases.

Several factors contribute to this situation, encompassing the rapid acquisition of resistance by bacteria against antibiotics, the exorbitant costs linked with drug development, the extensive duration needed to bring a new drug to market, and the insufficient financial incentives provided to pharmaceutical companies.

NK: How does current global antibiotic development situation impact Indian industry?

VSC & NY: The Indian pharmaceutical industry holds substantial potential to play a prominent role in advancing new antibiotics. With its successful history in manufacturing high-quality yet low-cost generic drugs, the Indian pharmaceutical industry possesses all the necessary capabilities to develop various new drugs, especially antibiotics, which will need large-scale production to meet global demands.

Moreover, the industry has easy access to a large pool of workforce including skilled scientists and researchers.

However, the Indian pharmaceutical industry faces several obstacles, such as significant expenses related to drug development, limited financial incentives and the need for improved regulatory frameworks. Addressing these challenges is crucial to unlocking the full potential of the Indian pharmaceutical sector in driving the development of new antibiotics.

NK: What are some of the challenges & limitations faced by Indian drug developers?

VSC & NY: Indian antibiotic drug developers face several challenges in their efforts to develop new antibiotics. Some of these challenges include:

Scientific and technological barriers: Developing new antibiotics demands advanced scientific research employing innovative drug discovery approaches and a deep understanding of complex mechanisms underlying bacterial resistance. However, India faces obstacles here due to limited scientific infrastructure, absence of specialised expertise and gaps in technological capabilities, hampering the advancement of antibiotic drug development.

Funding constraints: Antibiotic research and development require urgent attention in terms of long-term focused funding, which is usually not available to researchers in scientific institutes. Additionally, the high cost of research and development, coupled with the uncertain return on investment, poses financial limitations for drug developers.

Collaborations and partnerships: Collaboration among academia, industry and government entities is crucial for antibiotic drug development. However, establishing effective collaborations and partnerships, aligning research goals, sharing resources, and fostering a collaborative environment poses challenges due to logistical, regulatory, and competitive factors.

Market competition: In the landscape of research and development of novel antimicrobial therapeutics, intense global competition, particularly within the generic drug market, poses a significant challenge for Indian companies. Balancing investments in innovative research and maintaining competitive pricing becomes notably difficult due to this competition.

NK: How can the challenges faced by the Indian antibiotic development industry be addressed?

VSC & NY: Here are some specific ways in which the challenges faced by the Indian antibiotic drug development industry can be addressed:

Research and development investments: Long-term focused funding in research and development (R&D) is crucial for both academia and the Indian industry to bolster their antibiotic drug development capabilities. The allocation of resources toward exploring new compounds, identifying novel drug targets, and pursuing innovative treatment approaches holds significant promise in discovering novel antibiotics.

Collaboration and partnerships: Collaboration involving academia, government institutions, and pharmaceutical companies is crucial for sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources. It is essential that academia, industry, and government agencies collaborate closely to tackle the complexities in developing new antibiotics. Creating partnerships between clinicians and research scientists in labs is vital, as it speeds up antibiotic development by combining the strengths and expertise of different groups.

Regulatory support: Creating streamlined regulatory frameworks designed specifically for antibiotic drug development has the potential to speed up the approval process, ensuring strict compliance with safety and efficacy standards. Clear guidelines and strong support from regulatory bodies can incentivise the Indian industry to invest more in antibiotic research and development efforts.

Antibiotic stewardship programs: Establishing antibiotic stewardship programs within healthcare settings is crucial for promoting responsible antibiotic use, preventing misuse, and reducing the emergence of resistance. These initiatives substantially contribute to conserving the efficacy of both existing and any new antimicrobial drugs, enhancing their utility, and confronting the challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

Global collaborations: Partnering with international organisations, research institutes, and pharmaceutical companies provides access to expertise, resources, and funding opportunities. Engaging in global research consortia and clinical trials can significantly bolster the Indian industry’s involvement and contributions to antibiotic drug development.

NK: What are some efforts or initiatives that have been taken to promote antibiotic R&D in India?

VSC & NY: While India has made notable contributions to antibiotic research, there is a need for increased focus on developing new classes of antimicrobial therapeutics to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.

To address this, the Indian government has taken steps to promote antibiotic research and development. Initiatives like the National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy have been implemented to strengthen R&D efforts and enhance collaborations between academia, industry, and government bodies.

Financial support, regulatory reforms and capacity-building initiatives are being pursued to foster a conducive environment for antibiotic development in India.

While there is room for growth and improvement, India’s position in antibiotic development is poised for advancement. With its strong pharmaceutical industry, research capabilities, and ongoing initiatives, India has the potential to play a significant role in addressing the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance through the development of novel effective antibiotics.

Finally, India can and should play a leading role in the fight against AMR, as it addresses a major health challenge not only in India but also in the Southeast Asian countries.