Wockhardt’s novel antibiotic, Zaynich (WCK 5222), has helped a cancer patient in the United States undergo a successful liver transplant and resume chemotherapy.
The breakthrough occurred at Houston Methodist Hospital in Texas, where Zaynich eradicated dual extreme-drug resistant Gram-negative pathogens, allowing the patient to recover and leave the hospital.
Successful Liver Transplant After Infection Cleared
Zaynich, a combination of Zidebactam and Cefepime, successfully cleared a chronic bile duct infection in a 73-year-old female patient with bile duct cancer.
Diagnosed in January 2024, the patient had been undergoing chemotherapy and biliary stent placement but failed to respond to over six weeks of treatment with high-end antibiotics like cefiderocol and eravacycline.
Faced with limited options, the medical team used Zidebactam/Cefepime (WCK 5222) under compassionate use approval from the FDA.
Within two weeks of treatment with Zaynich, the patient’s infection was controlled, paving the way for her liver transplant. Wockhardt highlighted that the treatment ultimately led to the patient’s discharge from the hospital, marking a significant medical success.
Compassionate Use Approval and FDA Support
The FDA’s compassionate use approval allowed the drug to be administered through an individual patient-specific expanded-access Investigational New Drug (IND) application. This approval is crucial for patients facing severe, life-threatening conditions who do not have other treatment options available.
Positive Market Impact and Stock Surge
The success of Zaynich in this case had a positive effect on Wockhardt’s stock. On Monday, shares soared by 9.4%, reaching ₹1,528.10 on the BSE. This development highlights the growing recognition and potential of Wockhardt’s novel antibiotic.
Ongoing Clinical Trials and Future Prospects
Zaynich is nearing the completion of its Phase III clinical study, which will support its global registration and marketing authorization.
Previously, multiple Phase I clinical pharmacology studies for Zidebactam/Cefepime were conducted in the United States. Additionally, the drug is undergoing clinical trials in India to treat carbapenem-resistant infections, further expanding its potential global impact.
As reported by the hindubusinessline.com, in total, 45 patients have benefited from the compassionate use of Zidebactam/Cefepime to date, demonstrating its effectiveness in treating complex infections.