🔗 Share this article

The first new treatments for gonorrhoea in decades are being described as a "significant breakthrough" in the battle against superbug strains of the pathogen, according to researchers.

A Global Challenge

Cases of gonorrhoea are on the rise around the world, with figures suggesting in excess of 82 million new cases per year. Notably increased rates are seen in the African continent and nations within the WHO's designated area, which includes Mongolia and China to New Zealand. Within England, cases have hit a record high, while infection numbers across Europe in 2023 were significantly elevated compared to those in 2014.

“The clearance of new treatments for gonorrhoea is an critical and opportune step in the reality of growing infection rates, escalating drug resistance and the highly restricted treatment choices presently on offer.”

Medical experts are increasingly worried about the surge in drug-resistant strains. The WHO has designated it as a "critical concern". Ongoing monitoring showed that the effectiveness of standard treatments like cefixime and ceftriaxone had risen sharply between 2022 and 2024.

Two New Treatment Options Gain Clearance

Zoliflodacin, alternatively called a brand name, was cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration in recent days for treating gonorrhoea. This infection can lead to significant complications, including infertility. Experts anticipate that focused deployment of this new drug will help hinder the emergence of superbugs.

Gepotidacin, originating from the drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline, was also approved in the same week. This drug, which is employed against urinary tract infections, was demonstrated in studies to be successful in treating superbug versions of the gonorrhoea bacteria.

A Novel Development Model

Zoliflodacin emerged from a innovative non-profit model for medication research. The charitable organization Global Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership collaborated with the pharmaceutical company Innoviva to bring it to fruition.

“This approval marks a major breakthrough in the treatment of multidrug-resistant gonorrhoea, which until now has been evolving faster than antibiotic development.”

Testing Results and Global Access

Based on data detailed in a prominent scientific publication, zoliflodacin successfully treated over nine in ten of genital gonorrhoea infections. This places it at an similar efficacy with the current standard treatment, which involves two antibiotics. The research enrolled hundreds of volunteers from several countries including the United States, Thailand, South Africa, and European nations.

As part of the agreement of its unique model, the non-profit has the ability to make available and distribute the drug in many low-income and middle-income countries.

Medical professionals on the front lines have expressed positive views. Access to a easy-to-administer therapy of this kind is hailed as a "critical tool" for gonorrhoea control. This is considered crucial to reduce the burden of the disease for people and to stop the proliferation of highly drug-resistant gonorrhoea worldwide.