Wockhardt expects novel drugs to contribute over half its revenue within five years as it expands a differentiated antibiotic portfolio built through decades of R&D. According to Business Standard, the portfolio comprises Zaynich, WCK 6777, WCK 4282, Miqnaf, and the already commercialised Emrok and Emrok-O antibiotics. Chairman Habil Khorakiwala indicated that this represents a significant departure from the company's historical dependence on conventional pharmaceutical products, positioning Wockhardt among the few global drugmakers with a broad portfolio of novel antibiotics spanning hospital, outpatient and respiratory infection markets.
WCK 4282 has completed Phase-III trials in India and is expected to be filed with regulators next month. As reported by Business Standard, Khorakiwala described the product as 'the biggest advantage of 4282 is that it prevents further spread of multidrug resistance'. He noted that infectious disease physicians will particularly love this product, as it is intended for earlier use in the treatment pathway. The company plans to begin global clinical trials, including in India, and expects the product to reach the market around 2030-31.
While Zaynich is targeted at severe hospital infections within an estimated $9 billion market for resistant Gram-negative pathogens, WCK 6777 is aimed at treatment beyond hospitals through outpatient centres. As reported by Business Standard, Khorakiwala observed that about 35-40 per cent of injectable antibiotic use is outside hospitals in the US, with healthcare providers wanting patients to leave hospitals quickly while continuing treatment. He described this as a very large market with significant potential for the once-daily dosing approach.
WCK 6777 is being developed for treatment of multidrug-resistant infections that could continue after patients are moved out of intensive care or discharged from hospital. According to Business Standard, Khorakiwala highlighted that once-a-day versus three-times-a-day dosing offers meaningful advantages over existing injectable antibiotics that often require multiple daily administrations. He noted that once-a-day versus three-times-a-day is a big difference, with the cost of nursing, patient convenience and institutional convenience all working in favour of a once-a-day product.
Wockhardt is preparing a China strategy for Zaynich through a supplementary clinical study involving Chinese patients. As reported by Business Standard, Chinese regulators have indicated they would accept the global clinical data package generated for Zaynich, provided it is supported by a local bridging study involving a stipulated minimum number of patients. The company plans to begin the study and subsequently identify a commercial partner or distributor for the Chinese market. However, Khorakiwala indicated that Wockhardt's immediate focus remains building the Zaynich franchise globally, with launches prioritised in the US, India and other key markets.
