Gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STDs), which is increasing worldwide.
According to World Health Organization estimates, the world witnesses over 82 million infections every year. Of all the regions, Africa faces high rates.
The number of cases of gonorrhea has reached a record high. Moreover, the incidence rates were three times higher in 2023.
Making matters worse is the prevalence of drug-resistant strains of the bacterium, which has been designated a “priority pathogen” by the WHO.
Amid this worrying situation, the approval of new antibiotics for treatment is being hailed as a “turning point” for drug-resistant gonorrhea.
Zoliflodacin, one of two new treatments for STDs, received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on December 12.
Although zoliflodacin may pose health risks, researchers say the targeted use of antibiotics will slow the growth of drug-resistant pathogens.
According to clinical trial findings published in the Lancet, Zoliflodacin has reportedly been effective against 90 percent of genital gonorrhea infections.
Moreover, Gepotidacin, an antibiotic developed by the pharmaceutical company GSK, was also approved last week as an effective treatment against the gonorrhea strains.
According to Dr. Manica Balasegaram, Executive Director of GARDP, “This approval marks a huge turning point in the treatment of multidrug-resistant gonorrhea, which has thus far surpassed the development of antibiotics.”
Dr. Rossaphorn Kittiyaowamarn, lead researcher on the trial in Thailand, said: “As doctors, we see the devastating impact that drug-resistant gonorrhea can have on the lives of people in Thailand.”
“Having a single-dose oral treatment like this will be a game changer for the control of gonorrhea. This is essential to reduce the burden of disease on individuals and prevent the spread of highly drug-resistant gonorrhea worldwide,” he added.
